The Lion Kingis one of Disney’s most popular and beloved animated movies, but it hasn’t been safe from a variety of theories – and one, in particular, gives a villain twist to a fan-favorite character and ally of Simba. Between 1989 and 1999, Disney went through what’s known as the Disney Renaissance, in which the studio went back to producing critically and commercially successful animated movies. Among them isThe Lion King, released in 1994 and consideredDisney’s first animated movie with an original story, and which has earned a spot as one of the Mouse House’s best works.
The Lion Kingtakes viewers to the Pride Lands of Tanzania to meet King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones) and his young son Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick). Simba is the heir to the throne, but Mufasa’s brother, Scar (Jeremy Irons), also wants it. Scar comes up with a plan to get rid of both Mufasa and Simba and succeeds in killing the former and exiling the latter. However, years later, Simba returns to reclaim the throne and save the kingdom. Simba returns with some unique allies, but one of them might have a sinister side.
The Lion King Theory Claims Timon Is A Cult Leader
Scar sets a trap for Simba and Mufasa after luring Simba into a gorge and having the hyenas drive a large herd of wildebeest into a stampede to kill the young Prince. Scar alerts Mufasa, who goes to Simba’s rescue, and in one of Disney’s most heartbreaking scenes, Scar throws Mufasa into the stampede to his death when the latter begs him for help. Scar tricks Simba into believing his father’s death was his fault and convinces him to leave and never return. Simba is later found weak in a desert by meerkat Timon (Nathan Lane) and warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella).
Timon and Pumbaa areThe Lion King’s comedic relief and some of the movie’s fan-favorite characters, but a theory suggests there’s something sinister about Timon.
Timon and Pumbaa take the young lion in and teach him not only their “Hakuna Matata” motto but also how to survive, and he grows up with them, living a carefree life. Timon and Pumbaa areThe Lion King’s comedic relief and some of the movie’s fan-favorite characters, but a theory suggests there’s something sinister about Timon. The theory, shared onReddit, claimsTimon is a cult leader, based on his first on-screen minutes inThe Lion Kingin which he and Pumbaa realize that Simba could eat them, but if he stays with them, having a lion can be of great help.
Timon realizes Simba is lost and very scared and thus emotionally vulnerable and naive, so he seizes this to introduce him to “Hakuna Matata.” During that musical number, Pumbaa’s origin is briefly mentioned, and it’s similar to Simba’s in terms of being cast out at a young and vulnerable age. Pumbaa later met Timon, who also introduced him to his life philosophy. The author of the theory explains thatTimon recruits bigger and stronger animals by targeting them when they’re young, vulnerable, and impressionable, isolating them and promising them a carefree life while using them as his bodyguards.
The Lion King’s 2004 Prequel Debunks Timon’s Theory
Timon Already Got A Brief Backstory
While this theory gives a different perspective to Timon that can change the experience of watchingThe Lion King, it has already been debunked.In 2004, the direct-to-video prequel and sidequelThe Lion King½ was released. The movie is a retelling ofThe Lion Kingfrom Timon and Pumbaa’s perspective with a look into their backstories and how they met. Timon lived in a meerkat colony on the outskirts of the Pride Lands with his mother and uncle, but after his daydreaming leads to a hyena attack, an ostracized Timon leaves the colony.
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Timon learned “Hakuna Matata” from Rafiki and met Pumbaawhen he ventured “beyond what he saw.” Timon, learning of Pumbaa’s “special power” (which is passing gas) to keep predators away, invites him on his journey and they become best friends. While Timon does associate himself with animals that can keep him safe, he isn’t a cult leader, nor does he take advantage of them, as he forms sincere and strong bonds with them.
How This Theory Would Have Changed The Lion King
The Lion King Wouldn’t Be The Same If Timon Was A Cult Leader
The Lion King ½debunks the theory of Timon being a cult leader, but if it were true, it would give a sinister twist toThe Lion King. What makes Timon and Pumbaa so special is that they find Simba when he needs them the most and don’t judge him for what he is – a predator, and much bigger than they are. Timon and Pumbaa love Simba for who he is, and they accompany him on his quest to reclaim the throne and save the kingdom because they are his best friends.
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Timon being a cult leader completely erases this, asTimon would have used Simba for his own benefit, and it’s unknown how many other animals he might have manipulated in the same manner. It’s unknown what Timon would have planned to get from Simba once he became king, but he surely would have stayed by his side to see what he could get, andthe theory would ruin not just Timon’s relationship with Simba, but also Pumbaa.
Source:Reddit.
The Lion King
The Lion King is an animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released in 1994, it tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who faces the responsibilities of adulthood and reclaiming his birthright as king of the Pride Lands. Featuring an iconic voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons, the film explores themes of family, duty, and the circle of life.
