5 Surprising Facts About Matthew Broderick's Iconic Role As Simba In The Lion King (And Why He Didn't Sing)

Matthew Broderick’s voice as adult Simba in Disney’s 1994 masterpiece, *The Lion King*, is one of the most recognizable and comforting sounds in modern animation history. As of late 2025, the film continues to resonate with new generations, yet many fans remain unaware of the fascinating behind-the-scenes drama and surprising details surrounding his iconic performance. From a major controversy Broderick himself acknowledged to the real reason why a Tony-winning Broadway star was replaced for the singing parts, the story of his time in the Pride Lands is far more complex than a simple voice-over role. The enduring legacy of *The Lion King* is built on its powerful story and all-star voice cast, but it is Matthew Broderick’s portrayal of the grown-up prince, torn between his past and his destiny, that anchors the emotional core of the film. Here, we dive into the most surprising facts and deep-cut details about Broderick’s work as Simba, revealing why his contribution remains legendary and full of unexpected revelations.

Matthew Broderick: A Brief Biography and Key Roles

Matthew Broderick is an acclaimed American actor known for his extensive work in film, television, and on the Broadway stage. Born in New York City on March 21, 1962, his career spans over four decades, marked by both comedic genius and dramatic depth.

• Full Name: Matthew John Broderick
• Born: March 21, 1962 (New York City, New York, U.S.)
• Spouse: Sarah Jessica Parker (m. 1997)
• Key Film Roles: David Lightman in *WarGames* (1983), Ferris Bueller in *Ferris Bueller's Day Off* (1986), Colonel Robert Gould Shaw in *Glory* (1989), and Leo Bloom in *The Producers* (2005).
• Key Stage Roles: Eugene Jerome in Neil Simon's *Brighton Beach Memoirs* (Tony Award winner), J. Pierrepont Finch in *How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying* (Tony Award winner), and Leo Bloom in *The Producers*.
• Disney Role: The speaking voice of Adult Simba in *The Lion King* (1994), *The Lion King II: Simba's Pride* (1998), and *The Lion Guard* (2016).

The Five Biggest Secrets Behind Broderick’s Simba Role

Broderick's casting as the adult Simba, following Jonathan Taylor Thomas’s beloved performance as Young Simba, was a pivotal moment in the film’s production. His boyish charm and established film stardom—thanks to roles like Ferris Bueller—lent the exiled prince a crucial mix of immaturity, charm, and underlying nobility. Yet, the story of his voice-over work is riddled with fascinating, little-known details.

1. He Initially Thought He Was Cast in a 'Kimba the White Lion' Remake

Perhaps the most shocking revelation comes from Broderick himself, who admitted that when he first received the script for *The Lion King*, he mistakenly believed he was being hired for an American adaptation of a completely different anime. The controversy surrounding *The Lion King* and Osamu Tezuka's 1960s Japanese manga and anime, *Kimba the White Lion*, is well-documented. Many fans, particularly in Japan, noted the striking similarities in characters, themes, and even specific visual shots. Broderick’s initial assumption lends credence to the idea that the Tezuka work was, at the very least, a known reference point within the industry. Broderick humorously recalled telling people he was playing "Kimba the White Lion" when he landed the role, only to realize later it was an original Disney film about a character named Simba. This anecdote highlights the deep, lingering questions about the film's originality, a debate that continues to this day.

2. The Real Reason a Tony-Winning Singer Didn't Sing

One of the most persistent questions about Broderick's role is why, despite being a two-time Tony Award winner for musicals, his singing voice was not used for Simba's songs, particularly the iconic "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." The speaking voice of adult Simba is Broderick, but the singing voice is Joseph Williams, the lead singer of the band Toto. The truth is that Broderick did record the music for the film. He recorded the vocal tracks, but the creative team, including Elton John and Tim Rice, ultimately opted for a different sound. Broderick has acknowledged that he "tried" to sing the songs, but the studio decided to go with a more "rock-and-roll" quality, which Joseph Williams provided. This decision, while surprising given Broderick's proven Broadway talent, was a creative choice to give Simba's musical numbers a specific, powerful sound that complemented the sweeping score. The fact that the spoken and sung parts were recorded by different actors is a classic Hollywood secret that often surprises fans.

3. He Never Recorded with Co-Stars James Earl Jones or Jeremy Irons

Voice acting for animated films is an isolating process, and *The Lion King* was no exception. Despite the incredible chemistry between the characters Mufasa (James Earl Jones), Scar (Jeremy Irons), and Simba, Broderick rarely, if ever, recorded his lines in the same room as his legendary co-stars. Broderick has spoken recently about the honor of working alongside such giants, particularly James Earl Jones, calling himself "so lucky to have had a chance to work with" the voice of Mufasa. The process involved recording his dialogue alone, with the director guiding him and playing back the lines of his scene partners. This isolated method makes the emotional impact of the final film all the more remarkable, showcasing the talent of the actors and the skill of the animation team in piecing together the performances.

4. His Friendship with Nathan Lane Was a Major Entity Connection

The natural, hilarious rapport between Simba and Timon is a highlight of the film, and it was rooted in a real-life friendship. Nathan Lane, who voiced Timon, and Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba, were already close friends and had a well-established professional history. Their successful partnership in *The Lion King* led to one of their most famous collaborations: starring together as Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom in the Broadway smash-hit musical *The Producers*. The comic timing and chemistry they developed on stage were undoubtedly present in their voice-over work, even if they were recorded separately. Their joint interviews often reveal candid and hilarious insights into their *Lion King* experiences, cementing their status as one of Hollywood and Broadway’s most beloved duos.

5. Broderick Returned for the Direct-to-Video and TV Sequels

While many A-list actors avoid returning for direct-to-video sequels, Matthew Broderick reprised his role as the voice of Simba on multiple occasions, demonstrating his commitment to the character and the Disney legacy. He returned for the 1998 sequel, *The Lion King II: Simba's Pride*, where Simba is now the reigning King of Pride Rock and a protective father to his daughter, Kiara. He also contributed his voice to the Disney Channel television film *The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar* (2015), which launched *The Lion Guard* animated series. This continued involvement helped maintain continuity and the authentic voice of the lead character across the extended *Lion King* universe, solidifying his place as the definitive speaking voice of the adult Simba for an entire generation.