“It’s me Simba, I’m the king of the animal kingdom. This is the first time we’ve seen a king with so little hair. I’m about to make a triumphant entry into the big leagues, in a very royal way. Animal roar.”
If you grew up in the 90s, chances are you know by heart the words to this song that Simba sang at the beginning of The Lion King, as well as all the tunes that populate the famous studio classic. Disney (from the beginning Akuna Matata has Love shines under the stars).
- The Lion King: A bug corrected by Disney in the 2019 version
However, even though you’ve heard these words on your TV for years, you’ve probably never noticed the subtle play on words hidden in the French version of the film (as @pete_prk on X recently pointed out).
a play on words
Indeed, at exactly 16 minutes and 25 seconds into the feature film, right in the middle of the song I would already be a kingZazu is heard saying the following:
“Long live the republic, goodbye Africa, I’m closing shop, be careful, Lomo, don’t get on the wrong path!”
However, if the last words of this answer are worded differently, the meaning of the sentence changes completely. As anyone who frequently travels to Paris by train will no doubt have noticed, we can pronounce:
“Take Gare de Lyon, don’t take the wrong way!”
Did the translators of the French version put this word here on purpose? There’s every reason to think so, especially when we know the liberties Disney movie translators enjoyed in the 90s.
(Re)discover all the hidden details of ‘The Lion King’…
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
