The Lion King 1½ 

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing movie The Lion King 1½  including casting, reviews, fun facts and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

The Lion King 1½  Description

The Lion King 1½ (2004 Movie)

“The Lion King 1½,” also known as “The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata” in some regions, is a direct-to-video animated comedy film released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2004. It is a midquel to the original “The Lion King” and serves as a companion film that fills in the gaps and provides a different perspective on the events of the first movie.

The story revolves around Timon, the wisecracking meerkat, and his loyal friend Pumbaa, the easy-going warthog. It starts with the end of “The Lion King” when Simba defeats Scar and claims his place as king. However, Timon and Pumbaa feel overshadowed by Simba’s royal responsibilities and decide to seek their own destiny.

Throughout the film, Timon and Pumbaa’s adventures intersect with key moments from “The Lion King,” showing what they were doing behind the scenes during those events. They provide a humorous and lighthearted retelling of the original story from their unique perspective, adding comedic elements and witty commentary.

The film also introduces new characters, such as Uncle Max, a wise meerkat, and Ma, Timon’s loving mother. It explores Timon’s background and his journey to find his place in the world, eventually leading him to the oasis where he meets Pumbaa. The duo becomes inseparable and embarks on a series of hilarious escapades, including encounters with iconic characters like Rafiki and Simba.

“The Lion King 1½” is praised for its humor, clever storytelling, and the way it sheds light on the behind-the-scenes antics of Timon and Pumbaa. It provides a fresh and entertaining perspective on the beloved classic and serves as a delightful addition to “The Lion King” franchise, making it a must-watch for fans of the original film.



The Lion King 1½  Fun Facts

  • “The Lion King 1½” is a 2004 direct-to-video animated film and serves as a parallel story to Disney’s “The Lion King.” It provides a humorous and behind-the-scenes look at the events of the original film from the perspective of Timon and Pumbaa.
  • The film features a unique narrative style where Timon and Pumbaa offer their own commentary and comedic commentary on the events of “The Lion King.” This “retelling” of the story adds a fresh and comical perspective to familiar scenes.
  • “The Lion King 1½” includes a variety of new and original songs, such as “Digga Tunnah” and “That’s All I Need,” which contribute to the film’s lighthearted and fun atmosphere. The movie is known for its humor and for exploring the backstory of Timon and Pumbaa.


The Lion King 1½  Cast
  • Nathan Lane: Timon
  • Ernie Sabella: Pumba
  • Matthew Broderick: Simba
  • Julie Kavner: Ma
  • Jerry Stiller: Uncle Max
  • Moira Kelly: Nala
  • Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings: Shenzi, Banzai and Ed
  • Robert Guillaume: Rafiki
  • Edward Hibbert: Zazu


The Lion King 1½  Crew
  • Director: Bradley Raymond
  • Producers: George A. Mendoza
  • Music: Don L. Harper




Additional Details


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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.