Disney Changes Iconic 'Lion King' Story Over 30 Years Later

Three decades later, everything fans thought they knew about 1994’s The Lion King will be changed.

The Lion King was released in 1994 and quickly became one of Disney’s big hits. It follows Simba, a lion cub who is supposed to take over when his father, Mufasa, dies. But his evil uncle Scar tricks him into exile, and Simba has to grow up, face his past, and reclaim his place. The film mixes serious themes, such as loss and responsibility, with lighter ones, jokes, and significant emotional moments.

The voices, including Matthew Broderick (Simba), James Earl Jones (Mufasa), and Jeremy Irons (Scar), the music from Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, all helped make it memorable–“Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” remain iconic 30 years later.

The movie has stuck around in people’s hearts for many reasons: its story of family and what it means to step up, its blend of adventure and emotion, and its high point in the Disney Renaissance.

It made a ton of money, inspired sequels and TV spin-offs, and even a Broadway show that’s been massively successful. Disney also did a photorealistic remake in 2019 that grossed over $1.6 billion and was directed by Jon Favreau.

Recently, there’s even more Lion King content coming. Dynamite Entertainment is launching a new comic series in November 2025, written and drawn by Edwin Galmon.

This new series occurs during the “golden time” of the original film, when Simba is still young and Scar hasn’t yet become king. It’ll focus on the relationship between Simba and Mufasa: learning, father-son bonding, mentorship, and defending their home from threats inside and outside the Pride Lands.

“Taking place in the golden time during the events of the 1994 film while Simba is young and Scar has not yet risen to power, the new series will follow Mufasa and his young heir as they navigate the complex web of relationships across their vast kingdom,” Flickering Myth writes on the new series, “with the ruler of the Pride Lands teaching his son how to defend their home against the forces that threaten their peace and harmony from both outside and within their pack.”

Writer Edwin Galmon explained why visiting this iconic franchise was important.

“Having the honor and opportunity to work with the regal The Lion King franchise is a humbling experience,” the writer and artist said. “This is where my childhood imagination meets my adulthood craftsmanship, and with excitement, I hope people really enjoy the story we have cooked up!”

He added, “As a kid my favorite parts of The Lion King movie were all the scenes featuring Mufasa and Simba together because I related to how much I love and respect my dad. With that in mind, I wanted to have more father-son bonding, loving guidance, goofy playtimes, and mentorship themes for Simba to enjoy with his dad.”

The changes to this comic will alter how fans experience the 1994 film, knowing that the father and son spent even more quality time together before Mufasa’s tragic death. The first issue in this new “Lion King” series will go on sale in November.

Despite being one of Disney’s most cherished properties, the House of Mouse has continued to adapt and explore the Lion King universe, often changing what fans know about the franchise. In 2024, Disney released a live-action follow-up to Jon Favreau’s The Lion King, with the prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, from director Barry Jenkins.

Using the same photorealistic style as the 2019 remake, it follows Mufasa’s rise from orphaned cub to king, exploring his bond with Taka (later Scar), his meeting with Sarabi, and the origins of Pride Rock. The story is framed by Rafiki recounting events to Kiara, with Timon and Pumbaa providing comic relief.

The reception was divided. Audiences responded warmly. Critics, however, were less impressed. While some admired the visuals and expanded lore, others found the lions’ realism emotionally flat, the handling of Scar’s backstory uneven, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new songs underwhelming—especially the villain track “Bye Bye.” Concerns about pacing, crowded subplots, and tonal shifts also fueled backlash.

Ultimately, the film delivers spectacle and fresh insights into Mufasa’s past, but its mixed reviews show the challenge of living up to the legacy of The Lion King. Mufasa ended up taking $722.6 million globally.

Do you think this new entry into the Lion King franchise will live up to the original story? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!