The enchanting story of 'The Lion King“, a Disney classic that has captivated generations of viewers, seems at first glance to be an appropriate story for children.
When exploring the original plot of Disneywe realized that the narrative could have taken an even darker and more frightening turn.
Originally, Disney thought about an alternative ending that would keep children on the edge of their seats and go beyond the adversity Simba faced.
“The Lion King”: Animation across generations Image: Disney/Reproduction
A different ending for “The Lion King”
In the alternate version, during the climactic confrontation between Simba and Scar at the summit of Pride Rock, the villain, similar to Mufasa, clings to the edge to avoid falling.
In a surprising moment, Simba extends his paw to help Scar get back up. But Scar, showing his true treacherous nature, takes the opportunity to push Simba away, repeating the tragedy that had befallen his father.
Despite the fall Simba survives, but Scar, ignoring Simba's reappearance around him, fails to recognize the impending danger. The villain brags about his supposed victory and meets his tragic end when Simba gives his uncle the final push.
However, Disney decided to scrap this darker version, recognizing that the proposed plot might be overly scary for children.
The decision to change the ending to the version we know today was undoubtedly sensible, as the intention was to create an unforgettable and emotional experience without exceeding the limits of what children can handle emotionally.
Nevertheless, the loss of Mufasa remains a touching and difficult moment to accept, regardless of the nuances of the narrative.
Thus, “The Lion King” remains an animated masterpiece that, despite its twists and turns, manages to balance emotion and intensity and offer viewers of all ages an unforgettable experience.
While the path has been paved for children, sadness and resilience remain universal themes that run through Simba's timeless story.