The Pride’s New Roar: Meet The Current Lion King Broadway Cast Members And The Shocking 2025 Changes

As of late 2025, Disney's *The Lion King* remains one of the most powerful and visually stunning experiences on Broadway, continuing its legendary run at the Minskoff Theatre. This article provides the definitive, most up-to-date guide to the incredible actors currently bringing the African savanna to life, including the very recent and significant changes that have shaken Pride Rock this year.

The 2025 cast features a dynamic mix of record-breaking veterans and exciting new talent, ensuring that the show’s magic feels as fresh and vital as it did on opening night. With the emotional departure of a beloved star and the arrival of a Tony-nominated villain, now is the perfect time to explore the performers behind the iconic masks and puppets.

The Current Rulers of Pride Rock: Principal Cast Biography Profiles

The longevity of *The Lion King* is a testament to the talent of its performers. Here is the complete and current list of the principal actors leading the Broadway production at the Minskoff Theatre, along with their key biographical details.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa: Taylor holds the distinguished title of the longest-running Mufasa in Broadway history. Beyond the stage, he is a writer, spoken word artist, and activist, bringing a profound gravitas and warmth to the role of the wise king.
• Gavin Lee as Scar: Stepping into the villainous role on July 22, 2025, Lee is a two-time Tony Award nominee. He is widely known for originating the role of Bert in the Broadway production of *Mary Poppins*, a performance that earned him a Tony nomination. His arrival as the ruthless Scar marks a major new chapter for the production.
• Vincent Jamal Hooper as Simba: Hooper is the current adult Simba, having made his Broadway debut in this very show. A multi-hyphenate artist, he previously performed in multiple companies of the worldwide hit *Hamilton* before taking on the role of the exiled prince.
• Pearl Khwezi as Nala: A native of Durban, South Africa, Khwezi first joined *The Lion King* Broadway company in the ensemble in 2018. She later stepped into the principal role of the fierce lioness Nala, bringing her authentic South African roots and vibrant energy to the stage.
• Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi as Rafiki: Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi took over the pivotal role of the baboon shaman, Rafiki, on September 2, 2025. She is a veteran of the show, having been an understudy for Rafiki in the Las Vegas company and joining the ensemble in 2010.
• Blakely Slaybaugh as Zazu: Slaybaugh plays the role of the uptight, loyal, and often flustered hornbill, Mufasa’s majordomo.
• Ben Jeffrey as Pumbaa: Jeffrey is the current actor for the lovable, flatulence-prone warthog, Pumbaa.
• Fred Berman as Timon: Berman completes the iconic duo as the wisecracking meerkat, Timon.

The Most Significant Cast Changes of 2025: A Farewell and New Beginnings

The year 2025 has brought some of the most emotional and high-profile cast changes in the show's history, demonstrating that even a long-running production constantly evolves to remain fresh and compelling. These transitions are crucial for anyone planning to see the show this season.

Tshidi Manye's Record-Breaking Final Bow

One of the biggest news stories to emerge from Pride Rock is the departure of the legendary Tshidi Manye. After a stunning, record-breaking tenure, Manye performed her final show as Rafiki on August 31, 2025, at the Minskoff Theatre. Her run was remarkable, encompassing over 9,000 performances in the role, making her one of the longest-running performers in Broadway history. Her powerful, authentic performance of "Circle of Life" was a staple of the show for decades, and her final curtain call was a major, emotional event for the Broadway community.

The New Guard: Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi and Gavin Lee

The torch has been passed to a new generation of talent, ensuring the show’s powerful legacy continues. Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi, a South African performer with a long history with the Disney musical, officially took over the role of Rafiki on September 2, 2025. Her return to the production, this time as the principal Rafiki, is a significant moment, maintaining the show's commitment to authentic casting.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Similarly, the arrival of Gavin Lee as Scar in July 2025 brought a new theatrical heavyweight to the villainous role. Lee, known for his acrobatic and charismatic performances in other Disney productions like *Mary Poppins*, offers a fresh, menacing interpretation of the exiled brother, injecting new tension into the classic tale.

The Enduring Legacy: Awards, Records, and Julie Taymor’s Vision

The cast’s brilliance is built upon the foundation of a truly revolutionary theatrical production. *The Lion King* is not just a musical; it is a global entertainment phenomenon, holding records that solidify its place in history.

A Groundbreaking Artistic Vision

The show’s success is inextricably linked to the groundbreaking artistic vision of its director, Julie Taymor. Taymor’s decision to embrace "The Double Event"—allowing the audience to see both the human actor and the animal puppet simultaneously—was a revolutionary concept in theater. This innovative use of masks, puppetry, and stagecraft transformed the animated film into a live-action masterpiece, earning Taymor a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, making her the first woman to win the award.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The production features over 200 puppets and masks, ranging from the towering giraffes (operated by actors on stilts) to the intricate, life-size lion masks worn by the principal cast. This spectacle, combined with the African-infused score by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Lebo M., is what gives the show its unparalleled topical authority and staying power.

Broadway Records and Technical Details

Since its opening on November 13, 1997, *The Lion King* has been a continuous smash hit. It is currently the third-longest-running show in Broadway history and holds the record for the highest-grossing entertainment title in box-office history worldwide, surpassing any film or stage production.

Key details for your visit:

• Theatre: The show has resided at the Minskoff Theatre since 2006, a major Broadway house located at 200 West 45th Street.
• Running Time: The total running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
• Major Awards: At the 1998 Tony Awards, *The Lion King* won six awards, including Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design (for Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography (Garth Fagan), and Best Director of a Musical (Julie Taymor).

The current cast of *The Lion King* on Broadway continues to honor this incredible legacy. From the powerful voice of L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa to the fresh, dynamic energy of Vincent Jamal Hooper and Pearl Khwezi, and the very recent, high-profile arrivals of Gavin Lee and Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi, the show remains a must-see theatrical event. The constant infusion of new talent, alongside the core creative vision, ensures that the circle of life—and the show’s run—continues unbroken.