Why The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride Is Perfect for Kids—But Adults Might Want to Skip It

by

More than three decades since its debut, The Lion King continues to be a dynamic and impactful film that hasn’t diminished in its raw power or relevance. The Disney production about a young lion reclaiming his rightful place on the throne after his wicked uncle murders his father was a massive hit when it was first released, earning $763 million at the box office. At the time, it ranked as the second-highest-grossing film ever made. It also held the title of the highest-grossing animated film until it was surpassed by Finding Nemo.

The movie’s success was certainly no shock with a star-studded cast like James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rowan Atkinson. Its triumph gave birth to a franchise encompassing a stage adaptation on Broadway, two TV series, a visually stunning remake, and a straight-to-video sequel named “The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride“. It’s quite unexpected that the subsequent film didn’t hit the big screen. Consequently, it didn’t garner much interest, but is it worth watching?

There’s a Plot Against the King in ‘Simba’s Pride’

The story of Simba’s Pride opens as Simba and Nala present their daughter Kiara to the kingdom. Despite being overprotective, Kiara develops into a bold and defiant young lioness. To ensure her safety, Simba’s trusted friends Timon and Pumbaa always accompany her. Throughout the story, Simba appears cautious about dangers lurking outside the Pridelands, particularly those originating from a band known as The Outsiders, who are chaotic, immoral, and lacking in both decorum and intelligence. They revere Scar’s memory and follow commands from Zira, a vindictive lioness whose mischievous actions revolve around avenging Scar by having her son Kovu ascend to the throne.

In the heart of the forest one day, I chanced upon a voice that cut through the monotony, it belonged to none other than Kova. Little did we know, our families were bound by ancient enmity, yet we found common ground. However, fate had other plans as Simba stumbled upon us, and he sternly advised me to steer clear of Kovas. Yet, haven’t we all disregarded parental warnings at one point or another?

In the meantime, Zira views the bond between the two cubs as a chance to eliminate Simba and seize the throne. Therefore, she educates Kovu to blend into the royal pride and win their trust. Meanwhile, Mufasa’s spirit observes the situation and intends to reunite Kiara and Kovu in an effort to establish lasting harmony between the Pridelanders and the Outsiders.

Over time, Mature Kiara is granted the freedom to hunt independently. Upon discovering she’s unprotected, Zira sets fire to the landscape, compelling Simba to hastily rescue Kiara. Shortly after, Kovu appears, feigning disillusionment with the Outsiders. In response, Simba grants him entry into the Pridelanders, maintaining vigilance over him. However, the longer Kovu interacts with Kiara, the more deeply he falls for her. They enjoy peaceful moments together. Before long, he starts to question his objectives. Will he continue to follow Zira’s commands or switch sides? Their relationship could become a paradoxical blend of happiness and turmoil, as Kovu is drawn to a lioness he cannot claim.

‘Simba’s Pride’ Is Watchable, But Unlikely to Impress Adults

The Lion King carried a powerful emotional impact that resonated with both kids and adults, whereas Simba’s Pride did not have the same impact. However, it is not terrible by any means. It is creatively crafted, full of joy, and suitable for young viewers. For a direct-to-video release, the animation quality is exceptionally clean. Given the studio’s meticulousness during production, this level of quality was to be expected. The majority of the work was done by Walt Disney Television Animation’s studio in Sydney, Australia, with storyboarding handled at the Feature Animation studio in Burbank, California. Additional finishing touches were added by Toon City in Manila, Philippines.

In addition, Kovu emerges as a complex character, not just any lion but one grappling with self-doubt and enticed by Kiara’s intellectual and romantic charm. Although the movie occasionally deviates from animal behavior truths, it offers compelling insights into its intriguing characters, revealing the mental struggles preceding decisions. The audience will find themselves drawn into the internal struggle within Kovu’s conscience. He is more than just a passive character; he possesses a moral compass and can feel deep emotions, which sets him apart from typical movie sidekicks. Furthermore, through his journey, the film imparts several valuable lessons, such as the significance of associating with differing viewpoints and standing up for what’s right. These messages are particularly relevant for younger viewers.

Kiara exhibits great magnificence, much like an unpredictable lioness in love who resists full possession by any, whether her father or lover. Yet, despite Zira’s sinister nature, she appears almost innocuous when compared to Scar. Scar was written so skillfully that parts of the audience found themselves sympathizing with a man who had just murdered his brother. In contrast, Zira lacks the ruthless determination characteristic of many great movie antagonists, as she seems unwilling to go to any lengths to accomplish her mission. Moreover, she is remarkably patient, a trait seldom seen in major screen villains due to its association with weakness. Furthermore, one could argue that Zira’s incompetence is evident in the fact that she never inflicts harm on anyone throughout the story.

Additionally, I must admit that while I’m thoroughly enjoying the new installment, I can’t help but miss the exceptional voice talents of Rowan Atkinson and Jeremy Irons from the original film. Their absence has noticeably impacted the overall quality, as their characters remain part of the narrative. Furthermore, the soundtrack in this sequel doesn’t quite compare to the brilliance of the first one, with no standout songs like “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” or “Hakuna Matata.” The original film benefited from a Hans Zimmer score and some Elton John tunes, but unfortunately, the sequel lacks that star power.

‘Simba’s Pride’ Would Have Been More Impactful as a Theatrical Release

A 1994 news article disclosed that the plan for a direct-to-video follow-up to The Lion King was already set in motion prior to its theater debut. This implies that the studio heads may not have been certain about the film’s success, but they had the opportunity to alter their strategy once it performed exceptionally well at the box office.

For the animated movie to fully capture its theme, it should have had a larger financial backing. If the sequel was intended for a cinema release, more resources would have been allocated during production, minimizing the shortcomings. This would allow the studio to recruit well-known actors, enhancing the film’s audio quality and promoting it further. We speculate that renowned composers like Hans Zimmer and Elton John might have reprised their roles if the budget was attractive enough.

It appears that the negotiation processes weren’t successful, possibly due to financial limitations. In April 1996, Jane Leeves (known for her role as Daphne in Frasier) was considering voicing Binti, Zazu’s girlfriend, but unfortunately, the character was unexpectedly removed from the project. Similarly, Cheech Marin was initially planned to reprise his role as Banzai the hyena, but that character too was eliminated from the sequel without a clear explanation. Furthermore, in December 1996, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston were both approached about voicing Simba’s daughter, but unfortunately, no agreement could be reached.

It’s clear that the movie had all the promising elements to be a fantastic sequel, potentially one of the best ever made. Regrettably, the production didn’t quite manage to align everything perfectly. If you can look past its shortcomings, it’s worth watching for your kids. Although it may not reach the heights of Disney’s previous classics, the enchanting soundtrack and visually stunning scenes, infused with the tragic romance aura of Romeo & Juliet, are still quite engaging. Kids will likely enjoy it as a typical entertaining cartoon to pass the time with.

Read More

2025-05-11 22:12