Disney’s new The Lion King live action movie is hitting theaters on July 19th and fans all across the Pride Lands are cheering. Not only are audiences excited to revisit their favorite characters like Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, but everyone is stocking up on tissues and getting ready for the waterworks too. Simba’s journey from a young reckless cub to being crowned the king of the Pride Lands is one riddled with heartbreak, tears, and anxiety. It was hard enough to handle as an animated story, but we just know that the live action version will leave us wringing our hands in the theater and screaming things like, “BEHIND YOU, MUFASA” or agonizing over every unsafe step that baby Simba makes. Just look at him! He’s too cute to be trampled by antelope!
So, get ready for the new film with a glimpse of what’s coming with an official trailer and a look back on the best life lessons from your favorite Disney franchise!
1) You Are More Than You Know
Mufasa: You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become.
Simba may have lost Mufasa when he was still a cub, but thankfully Mufasa’s wise advice will live on long after him. Truthfully though, Mufasa could have said pretty much anything in that beautiful deep voice and we would have thought it was profound. Thankfully, Mufasa’s advice was actually profound and it’s also the perfect reminder that we are our own greatest assets.
2) Learn From Your Past
Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But, you can either run from it or, learn from it.
Rafiki had more than just quotes like “Asante sana squash banana” up his sleeve. He was also there to remind Simba that we are not defined by our past and that there is always room for growth.
3) They’re All Idiots
Scar: I'm surrounded by idiots...
Scar may not have been a great oracle of wisdom or anything, but he could really sum up your feelings on one of those days that you wish you had just stayed in bed.
We may not be surrounded by a pack of hyenas, but on some days it can really feel like we are.
4) Understanding Balance
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.
There is no greater lesson to teach than that of treating others with kindness and respect.
5) Hakuna Matata
It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It's our problem-free philosophy
Timon and Pumbaa understood that life doesn’t always need to be stressful. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back, throw the To Do list out of the window, and enjoy the simple things in life too.
6) Give Back To Others
Circle of Life lyric: You should never take more than you give.
Mufasa’s teachings about balance in the world are only possible if we think about more than just ourselves. The Lion King understood the importance of “paying it forward” and working together.
7) Think Before You Act
Mufasa: I’m only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.
Simba’s eventual journey to becoming the king of the Pride Lands is only possible once he learns this valuable lesson. Mufasa recognizes that courage is more than just a loud roar; it is understanding when to fight and when not to fight.
8) Change
Rafiki: Change is good.
We may drag our feet and cling to what we know, but sometimes we just need to remember Rafiki’s simple advice and embrace that change can be good.
Don’t be afraid to try something new.
9) Selfless Leader
Mufasa: There's more to being a king than getting your way all the time.
Mufasa understood that being a true leader means putting the good of the majority first and foremost.
10) A Story’s Worth Telling Twice
Rafiki: Any story worth telling is worth telling twice.
We can’t agree more, Rafiki! In fact, we can’t wait for the retelling of our favorite story with the premiere of the live action The Lion King on July 19th.
Leave your worries behind and get ready for your favorite Disney characters with a Fifth Sun Disney t-shirt today!
