Nala befriends Simba as a young cub. Playful, competitive and equally matched, they are deemed a pair long before the idea ever occurs to them. A strong and self-assured cub, grows into a powerful lioness who encourages Simba to be who he’s meant to be.

Mufasa is the intelligent and capable king of Pride Rock and father to Simba. Mufasa is always up for some fun with his cub. He’s driven to teach Simba everything he knows in hopes that his son will one day lead the Pride Lands with compassion and integrity.

Zazu is a red-billed hornbill and Mufasa’s right wing, so to speak. He is the eyes and ears of the kingdom, reporting the good and the not-so-good news of the day.

A wisecracking meerkat who discovers a downtrodden Simba after he flees Pride Rock in search of a different life. Timon’s no fool, having a lion in your corner can’t be a bad thing—even if he is destined for greatness.

Scar is the overlooked and undervalued brother to King Mufasa. He has long believed that he is the rightful ruler of the Pride Lands. When Simba is born, he hatches a plan to dispose of both Mufasa and the new cub with help from his hyena minions.

Rafiki is a wise primate shaman and royal advisor to Mufasa. He’s there when Simba is born, and he’s there for the future king when he finds himself at a crossroads.

Pumbaa is a perpetually gassy warthog and best friend to meerkat Timon. Following his buddy’s lead, Pumbaa befriends young Simba—just as soon as it’s established that the little lion isn’t planning to eat them.