the lion king

the script

{open, black screen}

{start nature sound effects}

{cue castle screen}

{fade to black}

{cue lion roar in the background, calling the animals to gather to pride rock for the ceremony.}

[the circle of life]

[ ms: male singer

bs: background singer

fs: female singer (lead) ]

{sunrise on african grassland (lightly treed), in time with opening chant to the circle of life}

ms: nants ingonyama bagithi baba [here comes a lion, father]

bs: sithi uhm ingonyama [oh yes, it's a lion]

{various shots of animals raising their heads at the sunrise:rhinos, antelope, a cheetah, meerkats, storks...}

ms: nants ingonyama bagithi baba [here comes a lion, father]

bs: sithi uhhmm ingonyama [oh yes, it's a lion]

ingonyama

ms: siyo nqoba [we're going to conquer]

bs: ingonyama

ingonyama nengw' enamabala [a lion and a leopard come to this open place]

{repeats 5}

ingonyama nengw' enamabala (se-to-kwa!)

ingonyama nengw' enamabala (asana)

{repeats 1}

{the circle of life ground forms in the bs's and holds its pattern for eight bars. it is a non-chordal bs part. the progressions are in the medium ranges of the strings.various pans and camera views of african animals all moving. coinciding with the fs pickup in the eighth bar, we first view the giraffes, panning to a long shot of all the animals in their procession}

[the circle of life text]

fs: from the day we arrive on the planet

and, blinking, step into the sun

there's more to see than can ever be seen

more to do than can ever be done

{camera is panning and jumping to elephants, zebras, ants, birds, storks, etc... }

there's far too much to take in here

more to find than can ever be found

but the sun rolling high

through the sapphire sky

keeps great and small on the endless round

{when the 'the circle of life' is mentioned the long-distance pan centers on pride rock where all the animals are gathering. mufasa is on pride rock. long camera arc to mufasa and zazu.}

it's the circle of life

and it moves us all

{zazu bows to mufasa, who smiles and nods at him}

through despair and hope

through faith and love

{appearance of rafiki, the mandrill. he passes between ranks of animals, who bow to him; he then climbs pride rock to where mufasa is standing.}

till we find our place

on the path unwinding

{rafiki and mufasa embrace.}

in the circle

the circle of life

{decrescendo in bs. fs drops out. pan flute takes simple lead.}

{mufasa leads rafiki over to sarabi, who is holding simba}

{rafiki puts the juice and sand he collects on simba's brow-- a ceremonial crown. he then picks simba up and ascends to the point of pride rock. mufasa and sarabi follow. with a crescendo in the music and a restatement of the refrain, rafiki holds simba up for the crowd to view.}

fs: it's the circle of life

{the crowd starts howling, stamping, etc... }

and it moves us all

through despair and hope

through faith and love

{the clouds part and a sunbeam highlights rafiki and simba on pride rock.}

till we find our place

{the crowd bows down, one by one.}

on the path unwinding

{camera slowly zooms out to a striking panoramic view of the presentation.}

in the circle

the circle of life

{bass drum hit (fff) and immediate switch to black screen with title 'the lion king' in blood-red caps.}

[mouse / challenge scene]

{cue mouse sounds}

{visual fade into mouse in cave}

{mouse comes out and starts preening in the light. begins sniffing. becomes frightened. suddenly a large lion paw swoops down and catches him.}

{cue the scar theme (dissonant, slow, reed theme). fade in slowly and up full during speech}

{camera switch to scar holding the squeaking and struggling mouse in his paw. he talks to it while playing with it}

scar: life's not fair, is it? you see i -- well, i... shall never be king. {exhale lightly} and you... shall never see the light of another day. {closed-mouth laughter. starts to place the mouse on his extended tongue} ... adieu... {quiet laugh}

zazu : {interrupting} didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?

scar: {light sigh. the mouse is under his paw.} what do you want?

zazu: i'm here to announce that king mufasa is on his way. {bows} ...so you'd better have a good excuse for missing the ceremony this morning.

{the mouse runs away from scar}

scar: oh now look, zazu; you've made me lose my lunch.

zazu: hah! you'll lose more than that when the king gets through with you. he's as mad as a hippo with a hernia.

scar: oooh... i quiver with fear.

{on 'fear' scar crouches down and is baring his teeth at zazu.}

zazu: {very concerned} now scar, don't look at me that way... help!

{scar quickly pounces on the bird, catching him in his mouth.}

mufasa: {almost immediately and off-camera} scar! ...

scar: {mouth full} mm-hmm?

mufasa: drop him.

zazu: {speaking from scar's mouth} impeccable timing, your majesty.

{scar spits the bird out, covered with saliva}

zazu: {slimed} eyyccch.

scar: {sarcastically overjoyed} why! if it isn't my big brother descending from on high to mingle with the commoners.

mufasa: sarabi and i didn't see you at the presentation of simba.

scar: {faking astonishment} that was today? oh, i feel simply awful.

{he turns and start scraping his claws on the rock wall. zazu cringes at the sound.}

scar: {admiring his claws} ...must have slipped my mind.

zazu: yes, well, as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother, you should have been first in line!

{scar clicks his teeth at zazu, who has flown near his face. zazu takes cover behind mufasa's foreleg. scar bends down to speak to him.}

scar: well, i was first in line... until the little hairball was born.

mufasa: {lowering his head and meeting scar eye to eye} that 'hairball' is my son... and your future king.

scar: ohh, i shall practice my curtsy.

{scar turns away and starts to exit}

mufasa: {warning} don't turn your back on me, scar.

scar: {looking back} oh, no, mufasa. perhaps you shouldn't turn your back on me.

mufasa: {roars and literally jumps in front of scar, baring his teeth for the first time} is that a challenge?

scar: temper, temper. i wouldn't dream of challenging you.

zazu: pity! why not?

scar: {looking at zazu} well, as far as brains go, i got the lion's share. but, when it comes to brute strength {looking at mufasa} ...i'm afraid i'm at the shallow end of the gene pool.

{exit scar}

zazu: {deep sigh} there's one in every family, sire... two in mine, actually. {perches on mufasa's shoulder} and they always manage to ruin special occasions.

mufasa: what am i going to do with him?

zazu: he'd make a very handsome throw rug.

mufasa: {chiding} zazu!

zazu: and just think! whenever he gets dirty, you could take him out and beat him.

{they exit, chuckling. pan out into open savannah.}

[painting scene]

{rise in music-- 'this land' track-- with theme stated in african flute, it broadens eventually with chorus and full orchestra. we see a rainstorm gently crossing the savannah. multiplane camera approach to rafiki's baobab tree. camera switch to inside the tree. rafiki is doing hand paintings on the wall. we see he is completing a lion cub.}

rafiki: {mutters to himself, in which the word 'simba' can be heard} hmmm... ah heh heh heh heh heh... {completing the ceremonial crown in the painting} simba.

{horns and brass close theme in a stately manner with a decrescendo. fade to black keeping the painting of the cub as a crossover to the fade in of pride rock in early morning}

[the sunrise / pouncing scene]

{simba is seen coming out on the rock. he runs back into the cave and leaps over several of the lionesses, accidentally jumping on a few.}

simba: dad! daad! come on, dad, we gotta go. wake up!

random lioness: oomph!

simba: sorry! ...oop.

{simba starts to wake mufasa}

simba: dad? daad. dad, dad, dad, dad, dad, dad, dad, dad--

sarabi: {over simba's endless noise of 'dad's, sleepily} your son... is awake...

mufasa: {also sleepily} before sunrise, he's your son.

simba: dad? daad! come on, dad! {tugs at mufasa's ear.} daa-- whoa!

{he loses his grip on mufasa's ear, and slips and crashes into something off camera. he then comes running back on screen and butts mufasa. mufasa sleepily eyes his son.}

simba: you promised!

mufasa: {seeing his son's impatience} okay, okay. i'm up. i'm up.

simba: yeah!

{mufasa yawns a well-recorded lion yawn. mufasa and sarabi follow simba up to the top of pride rock. simba rubs up against sarabi; she nudges him ahead and stays behind. departing shot of her, with a loving expression. the sunrise illuminates the top of pride rock impressively. both simba and mufasa are on the point. cue music.}

mufasa: look, simba. everything the light touches is our kingdom.

simba: wow.

{the camera revolves around them, during mufasa's speech, from a reverse view to a frontal shot.}

mufasa: a king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. one day, simba, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king.

simba: and this will all be mine?

mufasa: everything.

simba: everything the light touches. {simba looks all around. he views the rip-rap canyon to the north} what about that shadowy place?

mufasa: that's beyond our borders. you must never go there, simba.

simba: but i thought a king can do whatever he wants.

mufasa: oh, there's more to being king than... getting your way all the time.

{mufasa starts back down the rock}

simba: {awed} there's more?

mufasa: {chuckles} simba...

{camera switch. mufasa and simba are out walking on the savannah.}

mufasa: everything you see exists together, in a delicate balance. as king, you need to understand that balance, and respect all the creatures-- from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.

simba: but, dad, don't we eat the antelope?

mufasa: yes, simba, but let me explain. when we die, our bodies become the grass. and the antelope eat the grass. and so we are all connected in the great circle of life.

zazu: {lights on a nearby rock} good morning, sire!

mufasa: good morning, zazu.

zazu: checking in... with the morning report.

mufasa: fire away.

zazu: well! the buzz from the bees is that the leopards are in a bit of a spot...

{zazu's speech will continue through without stop. simba's and mufasa's conversation is the focus.}

mufasa: {distracted} oh, really?

{simba, uninterested in zazu, pounces at a grasshopper and misses}

zazu: {continuing, not noticing mufasa's lack of enthusiasm} ... and the baboons are going ape over this. of course, the giraffes are acting like they're above it all...

mufasa: {to simba} what are you doing, son?

simba: {disappointedly looking in his empty paws} pouncing.

mufasa: let an old pro show you how it's done.

zazu: ...the tick birds are pecking on the elephants. i told the elephants to forget it, but they can't...

mufasa: zazu, would you turn around?

zazu: yes, sire.{continuing immediately} the cheetahs are hard up, but i always say ...

mufasa: {whispering} stay low to the ground.

zazu: cheetahs never prosper...

simba: {whispering} okay, stay low to the ground, right... yeah...

zazu: {realizing something is amiss} what going on?

mufasa: a pouncing lesson.

zazu: oh very good. pouncing. {realizing} pouncing!?! oh no, sire, you can't be serious...

{mufasa motions for zazu to turn back around.}

zazu: oh... this is so humiliating.

mufasa: {still whispering} try not to make a sound.

zazu: what are you telling him, mufasa? {looking around uneasily-- simba and mufasa seem to have disappeared.} mufasa? simba?

{simba does a full pounce leaving zazu stunned on the ground}

mufasa: ha ha ha ha ha. that's very good. ha ha ha...

{a gopher emerges under zazu.}

gopher: zazu!

zazu: {exasperated} yes?

gopher: {saluting} sir. news from the underground.

mufasa: {to simba} now, this time--

zazu: {interrupting and with urgency} sire! hyenas! in the pride lands!

mufasa: {serious now} zazu, take simba home.

simba: oh, dad, can't i come?

mufasa: {curtly} no, son.

{mufasa heads off at a full gallop}

simba: i never get to go anywhere.

zazu: oh, young master, one day you will be king; then you can chase those slobbering mangy stupid poachers from dawn until dusk.

{they head off. camera pulls back to wide view of savannah.}

[scar tricks simba scene]

{camera change to scar on his overhanging rock ledge. we see scar pace once and kick an old bone off the edge.}

{enter simba}

simba: hey uncle scar! guess what!

scar: i despise guessing games.

simba: i'm going to be king of pride rock.

scar: {sarcastically} oh goody

simba: {looking out over the edge of the rock} my dad just showed me the whole kingdom; {greedily} and i'm going to rule it all. heh heh.

scar: yes. well... forgive me for not leaping for joy. bad back, you know.

{scar flops down on his side.}

simba: hey, uncle scar? when i'm king, what will that make you?

scar: a monkey's uncle.

simba: heh heh. you're so weird.

scar: you have no idea. ...so, your father showed you the whole kingdom, did he?

simba: everything.

scar: he didn't show you what's beyond that rise at the northern border...?

simba: {disappointed} well, no... he said i can't go there.

scar: and he's absolutely right. it's far too dangerous. only the bravest lions go there.

simba: well, i'm brave! what's out th--

scar: {interrupting} no, i'm sorry, simba, i just can't tell you.

simba: why not?

scar: simba, simba, i'm only looking out for the well- being of my favorite nephew.

{scar rubs and pats simba's head}

simba: {snorts sarcastically} yeah, right, i'm your only nephew.

scar: all the more reason for me to be protective... an elephant graveyard is no place for a young prince... {faking surprise} oops!

simba: {enthusiastic} an elephant what? whoa.

scar: {faking dismay} oh dear, i've said too much... well, i suppose you'd have found sooner or later, you being so clever and all... {pulling simba near} oh, just do me one favor-- promise me you'll never visit that dreadful place.

simba: {thinks} no problem.

scar: there's a good lad. you run along now and have fun. and remember... it's our little secret.

{simba leaves the rock, scar walks away with an evil smile. menacing music.}

[bath scene - intro to water hole scene]

{simba is running down the slope of the bottom part of pride rock. he runs down towards two lionesses (sarabi and sarafina). sarafina is giving nala a bath. music is light, almost jazzy. pan flute lead.}

simba: hey, nala.

nala: hi, simba.

simba: come on. i just heard about this great place.

nala: {through clenched teeth} simba! i'm kind of in the middle of a bath.

sarabi: and it's time for yours.

{simba tries (too late) to escape; sarabi bends down and grabs him. she proceeds to give the struggling cub a bath.}

simba: mom! ...mom. you're messing up my mane.

{sarabi smiles.}

simba: okay, okay, i'm clean. can we go now?

nala: so where are we going? it better not be anyplace dumb.

simba: no. it's really cool.

sarabi: so where is this 'really cool' place?

simba: oh. {thinks} uh... around the water hole.

nala: the water hole? what's so great about the water hole?

simba: {whisper} i'll show you when we get there.

nala: {whisper} oh. {normal} uh... mom, can i go with simba?

sarafina: hmm... what do you think, sarabi?

sarabi: well...

nala and simba: {through broad, forced grins} pleeeease?

sarabi: it's all right with me...

{nala and simba are overjoyed}

nala: all right!

simba: yeah!

sarabi: ...as long as zazu goes with you.

{simba and nala stop dead in their celebration}

simba: no. not zazu.

[water hole scene]

{camera is at a ground angle slightly behind the cubs walking towards the water hole. zazu is visible in the sky overhead.}

zazu: step lively. the sooner we get to the water hole, the sooner we can leave.

{camera angle changes to the cubs from an immediate real view}

nala: {whisper} so where we really going?

simba: {whisper} an elephant graveyard.

nala: wow!

simba: {whisper} shhh! zazu.

nala: {whisper} right. so how are we gonna ditch the dodo?

{camera switch to just above zazu. we hear the cubs whispering back and forth below}

simba: {whispering} oh, i know how we can--

zazu: {flying down} oh, just look at you two. little seeds of romance blossoming in the savannah. your parents will be thrilled... {he lands in front of them} ...what with your being betrothed and all.

simba: be-what?

zazu: betrothed. intended. affianced.

nala: meaning...?

zazu: {as though holding on to his coat lapels} one day, you two are going to be married!

simba: yuck!

nala: ewww.

simba: i can't marry her. she's my friend.

nala: yeah. it'd be too weird.

zazu: well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you two turtle- doves have no choice. it's a tradition...

{simba mimics zazu during these last words}

zazu: ...going back generations.

simba: well, when i'm king, that'll be the first thing to go.

zazu: not so long as i'm around.

{start fading in intro to 'i just can't wait to be king'}

simba: well, in that case, you're fired.

zazu: hmmm... nice try, but only the king can do that. {pokes simba's nose}

nala: well, he's the future king.

simba: yeah. {thumping zazu's chest} so you have to do what i tell you.

zazu: not yet i don't. and with an attitude like that, i'm afraid you're shaping up to be a pretty pathetic king indeed.

simba: hmph. not the way i see it.

{full song, colors change to wild pop-african. background abruptly becomes surreal, brightly-colored cartoon style.}

simba: i'm gonna be a mighty king

so enemies beware!

zazu: well, i've never seen a king of beasts

{plucks simba's hair where mane would be}

with quite so little hair

{simba gets a mane of leaves}

simba: i'm gonna be the mane event

like no king was before

{climbs a log}

i'm brushing up on looking down

i'm working on my roar

{on 'roar' he shouts at zazu, startling him backwards into a puddle}

zazu: {drying on what appears to be a hanging towel}

thus far, a rather uninspiring thing

{camera pulls back; reveals the 'towel' as the ear of a red elephant which hits zazu with its trunk as with a golf club, sending him skipping like a stone across a shallow pool of water; the cubs follow immediately.}

simba: oh, i just can't wait to be king!

zazu: {speaking} you've rather a long way to go, young master, if you think...

{for this verse zazu is making quick spoken-part replies to each line. simba and nala are on each side of zazu; as he turns to talk to one, the other makes faces at him.}

simba: no one saying do this

{zazu: now when i said that, i--}

nala: no one saying be there

{zazu: what i meant was...}

simba: no one saying stop that

{zazu: look, what you don't realize...}

simba and nala: no one saying see here

{zazu: now see here!}

simba: free to run around all day

{simba and nala are now riding ostriches}

{zazu: well, that's definitely out...}

simba: free to do it all my way!

zazu: {flying ahead of the cubs, looking back to speak to them and so not paying attention ahead}

i think it's time that you and i

arranged a heart to heart

{flies into a rhino}

simba: kings don't need advice

from little hornbills for a start

{lights on a branch}