In 1994, Walt Disney Animation Studios brought The Lion King to life, igniting a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences three decades later. From its box office success to its transformation into a global franchise spanning Broadway, streaming, Disney Parks, and now a new film, The Lion King remains a testament to Disney’s unparalleled storytelling magic.
Director Barry Jenkins, an Academy Award® winner at the helm of Mufasa: The Lion King, describes the franchise’s enduring appeal:
“There are very few things that have that level of penetration across languages, across cultures. The Lion King does this by honestly portraying the human condition.”
Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King, debuting in theaters December 20, employs cutting-edge technology first seen in the 2019 adaptation. That film reintroduced The Lion King to a new generation and earned over $1.6 billion globally, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Rebecca Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, celebrates this milestone:
“To create something this meaningful, that has so much staying power, even 30 years later, is something only Disney can do.”
A Legacy on Stage and Beyond
The 1994 original not only claimed two Academy Awards® but also laid the foundation for a Broadway revolution. Since its debut in 1997, The Lion King musical has won six Tony Awards® and been experienced by over 112 million guests across 29 productions in 24 countries.
Thomas Schumacher, Chief Creative Officer of Disney Theatrical Productions, reflects on its success:
“The Lion King is probably the most successful musical ever to be launched around the world.”
The Lion King on Broadway
Disney’s Animal Kingdom adds to this legacy with Festival of The Lion King, while Disneyland Paris is set to debut the first-ever ride-through attraction inspired by the 1994 classic. These experiences ensure The Lion King remains accessible to fans everywhere.
A New Chapter Begins
With Mufasa: The Lion King premiering tomorrow, Disney invites audiences to return to the Pride Lands for a deeper look into one of the most iconic stories ever told. As Emily Kaplan of Walt Disney Imagineering notes:
“Disney takes franchises to completely new levels, allowing us to think about their success in generations.”
Stream the 1994 and 2019 versions of The Lion King now on Disney+, and join the celebration as this beloved story continues to roar into hearts around the globe.
(L-R): Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), Eshe (Thandiwe Newton), and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) in Disney’s live-action Mufasa: The Lion King. They are standing in a field, with the sun setting in the background.
