From Animated Icon To Photorealistic Star: Who Plays Pumbaa In Every Version Of The Lion King?

The iconic warthog Pumbaa, a character synonymous with the philosophy of "Hakuna Matata," has been brought to life by a fascinating lineup of voice actors across the decades, reflecting Disney's evolution from hand-drawn animation to cutting-edge photorealistic cinema. As of the current date, December 12, 2025, the most recent and relevant actor to step into Pumbaa's sizable shoes is the globally recognized comedian and actor, Seth Rogen, who voiced the character in the 2019 remake and is set to return for the highly anticipated 2024 prequel.

The question of "who plays Pumbaa" actually has two definitive answers, each belonging to a different era of the beloved franchise. While Seth Rogen is the modern voice, the original, definitive voice that generations grew up with belongs to the legendary Broadway and voice actor, Ernie Sabella. This comprehensive guide breaks down every major actor who has portrayed the flatulent but lovable warthog and explores the hilarious behind-the-scenes stories of how the character was created.

The Modern Voice: Seth Rogen’s Biography and Pumbaa’s Casting

For a new generation, and in the context of the 2019 photorealistic remake directed by Jon Favreau, the voice of Pumbaa is the distinct, instantly recognizable laugh and delivery of Seth Rogen. His casting, alongside Billy Eichner as Timon, was a major announcement that signaled a tonal shift toward a more improvisational, comedic approach for the duo.

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Rogen's version of the warthog brought a new layer of stoner-comedy sensibility to the character, contrasting with the more traditional, Broadway-style delivery of the original. His performance was widely praised for retaining the character's heart while injecting fresh, contemporary humor into the dialogue.

Seth Rogen: Complete Profile and Latest Projects (2025)

• Full Name: Seth Aaron Rogen
• Born: April 15, 1982, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian-American
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
• Key Early Works: Freaks and Geeks (2000), Undeclared (2001)
• Breakthrough Film Roles: Knocked Up (2007), Superbad (2007), Pineapple Express (2008), The Green Hornet (2011), This Is the End (2013).
• Major Voice Roles: Pumbaa in The Lion King (2019), Mantis in the Kung Fu Panda franchise, B.O.B. in Monsters vs. Aliens.
• Awards: Emmy Award winner.
• Current Projects (2024/2025):
  • Mufasa: The Lion King (2024): Rogen reprises his role as Pumbaa in the prequel film directed by Barry Jenkins, which explores the origins of Mufasa and Scar.
  • The Studio (2025-Present): He is the co-creator, writer, director, and star of this critically acclaimed Apple TV+ satirical comedy series, where he plays a Hollywood executive.

The Original and Definitive Pumbaa: Ernie Sabella’s Legacy

Before the 2019 remake, the voice of Pumbaa for over two decades—in the 1994 animated classic, the direct-to-video sequels, the TV series Timon & Pumbaa, and the video games—was the inimitable Ernie Sabella.

Sabella’s performance, characterized by a warm, slightly high-pitched, and deeply emotive tone, is considered the gold standard for the character. He and Nathan Lane (the original voice of Timon) created a dynamic that was rooted in their real-life friendship and decades of theatrical experience.

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The duo’s on-screen chemistry is no accident. Both Sabella and Lane were major stars on Broadway, performing together in the revival of Guys and Dolls when they first auditioned for Disney.

The Hilarious True Origin of Pumbaa’s Flatulence

One of the most famous and enduring pieces of trivia about Pumbaa’s character is that his defining trait—his constant flatulence—was entirely the result of improv in the recording booth.

During a recording session for the original 1994 film, Ernie Sabella improvised a line to break the tension or make Nathan Lane laugh. The line, which involved Pumbaa passing gas, was initially considered too crude for a Disney film. However, the directors loved the comedic effect and the unique character dimension it added, choosing to keep it in.

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This single improvised moment established Pumbaa as the first Disney character to openly fart on screen, securing his place as a groundbreaking figure in animated comedy and cementing the character's beloved, unrefined nature.

The Many Faces of Pumbaa: Broadway and Beyond

The character of Pumbaa extends far beyond the animated and photorealistic films. The expansive Lion King franchise has seen several talented actors take on the role of the warthog in different media, particularly in the long-running and globally successful Broadway musical. This showcases the depth of the character and the diverse talents required to portray him.

Pumbaa on the Stage: The Broadway Musical

The Tony Award-winning stage production of The Lion King requires actors to operate massive puppets and deliver powerful vocal performances. Unlike the films, the stage Pumbaa is a physical and vocal role that has been played by many actors over the years.

• Current/Recent North American Tour Actors: The role is frequently recast as tours move, but recent actors who have played Pumbaa include Danny Grumich and John E. Brady.
• The Performance Challenge: The stage Pumbaa is a complex role, demanding the actor to simultaneously sing Elton John and Tim Rice's classic songs, act, and manipulate the large, intricate warthog puppet designed by Julie Taymor.

The Pumbaa Casting Controversy: Hyenas to Heroes

A fun fact that adds to the topical authority of the character's history is the original casting process. Both Ernie Sabella and Nathan Lane initially auditioned for the roles of the hyenas, Scar’s bumbling henchmen.

The directors and producers were so impressed by their comedic timing and chemistry as a duo that they realized their talents were better suited for the more central, comedic relief roles of Timon and Pumbaa. This decision fundamentally shaped the heart and humor of the entire film, turning two supporting characters into franchise icons.

Comparing the Pumbaa Voices: Rogen vs. Sabella

The different actors who play Pumbaa reflect the different artistic intentions of the films they star in. The contrast between the two main voices is a key point of discussion among fans and critics:

• Ernie Sabella (1994 Animated): His voice is theatrical, warm, and slightly nasal, perfectly fitting the classic Disney animation style. His performance is rooted in the tradition of Broadway comedy, focusing on clear diction and emotive singing. He is the voice of the entire franchise canon, including The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and The Lion King 1½.
• Seth Rogen (2019 Photorealistic): Rogen’s voice is deeper, more gravelly, and delivers a laid-back, modern comedic tone. His and Billy Eichner’s recording sessions were done together, allowing for significant improvisation, which gave their dialogue a more natural, overlapping, and contemporary feel, making their Timon and Pumbaa feel like a genuine, bickering friendship.

Ultimately, whether you prefer the classic warmth of Ernie Sabella or the modern, improvised humor of Seth Rogen, the character of Pumbaa remains a timeless symbol of friendship, loyalty, and the simple, carefree life of "Hakuna Matata." The warthog’s enduring popularity ensures that future iterations, including the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King in 2024, will continue to bring new and exciting actors to the role.