When it comes to presenting us with long-lasting memories that we can fondly remember for the rest of our lives, Disney has the upper hand by a long mile than any other brand. More specifically, their animated features such as The Lion King have stood the test of time and are revered by the old and new generation of audiences alike.
The aforementioned film has also been one of the most successful among their original feature lineup for being one of the most family-friendly, but at the same time, it also has its dark and sinister parts as well. But all of them were nothing compared to the alternate ending that was envisioned for the project, where Simba would’ve been murdered by Scar.
The Lion King Alternate Ending Which Was Too Dark For Disney
This may not be the first time that Disney had put any dark and tragic elements in the films. In fact, the company is practically known for inserting these types of scenarios in their animated features, one among them being in Bambi, where the little fawn’s mother is shot by a hunter. Thus, it is obvious that they are not shy to express tragedies that leave a lasting impact.
But the ending that was conceptualized for the climax of 1994’s The Lion King alongside the original end was too much even for Disney to go through with.
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In the alternate end, the same battle between Simba and his uncle Scar is fought to reclaim the kingdom left by Mufasa after his death at the hands of Scar. But the twist comes when the evil lion is dangling from Pride Rock for his life, and Simba moves in to save him. Just then, Scar pulls his nephew close and shoves him, which leads to the young lion falling into the raging fire below, although still alive despite the fall.
The ending goes on to show Scar, drunk in his victory about killing his nephew and talking over the entire kingdom that he goes into a trance, oblivious to the fire that’s spreading around him. This psychological effect leads to his demise, where he burns in the fire of his own, blinding pride.
This ending may have proven to be too much for the audience, especially young children who couldn’t have understood any of it and would been left with a gaping hole and a traumatizing memory.
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Why Is The Lion King So Beloved?
Apart from being an irreplaceable part of many people’s childhood, The Lion King shines through the rest of Disney’s repertoire of animated features for many other reasons.
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The story, although possessing some tragic and upsetting elements, makes the impact of those wonderful and joyous moments all the more intense. Adding to that, the bonds of friendship that has been shown in the film are loved by children all over the world, proving to be a positive influence on them as they grow up. Along with some of the most exceptional animations of it’s time is what makes this film an icon for the ages.
The Lion King, streaming on Disney+.
