Based on the Shakespearean classic of Hamlet, The Lion King was the most successful animated film until the arrival of another Disney movie: Frozen.
The story behind the production is amazing. It was 1994 and the powerful Disney company was still working on creating new ways of telling stories. The pioneer company founded by Walt Disney first synchronized sound and image in 1928 in the famous short film, starring by Mickey Mouse, Steamboat Willie. Only a few years after that achievement, in 1932, they included color in Flowers and Trees.
The company reached the summit of the storytelling and technique rules with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first animated film in winning an Academy Honorary Award.
Let’s get back to the track, it was 1994 and Disney was working on two new projects; one of them was the crown jewel in which all the creatives were excited about: Pocahontas. The other one was a risky attempt to adapt Hamlet with lions in Africa… With two major films in progress all the senior animators opted for Pocahontas while the junior ones took part in The Lion King. Yes, we could say The Lion King was made by ‘interns’!
The head chief of Disney at that moment, Jefrey Katzenberg, lost his father during the production of the film. If you have seen this incredible movie, you’ll have realized how delicate they are talking about death and family, Mufasa was a reminder of Katzenberg’s dad.
Not only was the story ravishing, endearing and exciting but its soundtrack quickly became a basic in the history of cinema. The spectacular songs played a vital role to turn the film into a classic. Elton John, who had heard about the film, accepted to create the OST along with Hans Zimmer. Sir Elton won an Oscar for Best Original Song and Zimmer for Best Original Score.
Speaking about the music, do you remember the great opening of the film? We listen to some beautiful voices singing in swahili. Of course we don’t know what they’re saying, and thanks to Heaven nor the producers who had approved the film because they’re singing protests in their language.
This group of young animators, screenwriters and Katzenberg could finish the film which beat Pocahontas by far in the box office. The energy of its creators was its key to success. They truly believed they were developing something that would last their legacy.
When it comes to films, Disney is a specialist creating masterpieces. It’s not just a coincidence, they have the recipe for adapting and making up stories with both: technique and heart.
Never forget: ‘If you can dream it, you can do it!’
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