1994 lion king screenplay
The Lion King
Screenplay
Written by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton
INT. PRIDE ROCK - SUNRISE
The sun rises over the beautiful savannah. We hear the sounds of African wildlife as the animals gather at Pride Rock.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - KINGDOM - DAY
A procession of ANIMALS makes their way to the top of Pride Rock. RAFIKI, a wise baboon, holds a newborn lion cub above his head.
RAFIKI
(Singing)
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
(Sithi uhm ingonyama)
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
(Sithi uhhmm ingonyama)
Ingonyama
The animals bow down as Rafiki presents the cub to the kingdom. King MUFASA and Queen SARABI watch proudly, while the evil SCAR looks on with envy.
MUFASA
Welcome to the world, Simba.
SIMBA, the cute little lion cub, looks around with wonder.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - SIMBA'S DEN - DAY
Simba is playing with his best friend, NALA, a female lion cub.
SIMBA
I just can't wait to be king, Nala!
NALA
You'll be a great king, Simba. But remember, one day, everything the light touches will be yours.
INT. ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD - DAY
Simba and Nala explore a forbidden place, the Elephant Graveyard. They are soon surrounded by the HYENAS, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed.
SHENZI
(laughing menacingly)
Well, well, well... What have we got here?
Simba and Nala try to escape but are trapped by the hyenas. Suddenly, Mufasa arrives to save them.
MUFASA
(angry)
Leave my son alone!
The hyenas retreat, but Scar watches from afar, plotting.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - MUFASA'S DEN - NIGHT
Mufasa and Simba are stargazing.
MUFASA
Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance.
Simba, intrigued, asks about the Great Kings of the past.
MUFASA
(laughs)
Simba, let me tell you a secret. The Great Kings of the Past are always there to guide you.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - KINGDOM - DAY
Simba, now a teenager, is hanging out with his mischievous friends, TIMON and PUMBAA.
TIMON
Hakuna Matata, Simba. It means no worries!
Simba embraces the carefree lifestyle, forgetting about his responsibilities.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - KINGDOM - DAY
Scar has taken control of the Pride Lands. The once beautiful kingdom is now desolate.
SIMBA
(angry)
This is my home! I have to take it back!
Simba returns to Pride Rock with Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa to confront Scar.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - KINGDOM - FINAL BATTLE - DAY
The final battle between Scar and Simba ensues. Scar reveals the truth about Mufasa's death, blaming Simba for it.
SCAR
(intense)
I killed Mufasa!
Simba fights back, refusing to let Scar's lies define him. He takes Scar down and assumes his rightful place as king.
INT. PRIDE ROCK - KINGDOM - NIGHT
As Simba ascends Pride Rock, rain begins to pour, refreshing the barren land. The animals of the kingdom look up to their new king with hope and admiration.
SIMBA
(raising his voice)
This is my kingdom. Everything the light touches will be ours.
The animals bow down, and Simba leads the kingdom to a brighter future.
FADE OUT.
Note: This screenplay is a general representation of the plot and dialogue in "The Lion King" and may not reflect the exact details of the original screenplay.