When people talk about Disney sequels from the 90s, they usually roll their eyes. We’ve all seen those low-budget, straight-to-VHS follow-ups that felt like a cheap cash grab. But honestly? The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride is the one that actually stands its ground. It didn't just recycle the original movie; it expanded the world. A huge reason that worked—maybe the biggest reason—was the Lion King 2 Simba's Pride cast.
They didn't just get some soundalikes to fill in. They brought back the heavy hitters. Matthew Broderick, Moira Kelly, and even the legendary James Earl Jones returned to the Pride Lands. It’s kinda rare for a direct-to-video project to keep that much of the original DNA.
The Big Returns: Simba, Nala, and a Ghostly Voice
You’ve got to respect Matthew Broderick. He could have easily skipped a video sequel, but he came back as Simba. This time, he wasn't the carefree "Hakuna Matata" kid. He was a stressed-out, overprotective dad. Broderick’s voice had this edge of anxiety that perfectly matched a king terrified of losing his daughter to the same tragedy that took his father.
Then there’s Moira Kelly as Nala. She’s basically the voice of reason. While Simba is spiraling, Kelly’s performance is steady and warm. It’s a subtle role, but she’s the glue.
And, of course, the late James Earl Jones. Even though Mufasa died in the first film, his presence looms large. Jones provided the voice for Mufasa’s brief appearances in the clouds. It wouldn’t have felt like The Lion King without that iconic, rumbling bass. Interestingly, while the movie draws heavily from Romeo and Juliet, having the original cast made it feel like a legitimate continuation of the Shakespearean drama established in the first film.
The New Generation: Kiara and Kovu
The movie shifts focus to the kids, which was a risky move. But the casting for Kiara and Kovu was spot on.
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Neve Campbell voiced the adult Kiara. At the time, she was huge from Scream and Party of Five. She brought a certain "rebellious but kind" energy to the role. Kiara wasn't just a female version of young Simba; she had her own identity. For the singing, however, Disney brought in Liz Callaway. If her voice sounds familiar, it’s because she was also the singing voice for Anastasia in the Fox film.
Then we have Kovu, voiced by Jason Marsden. Fun fact: Marsden is everywhere in 90s animation. He was Max in A Goofy Movie and Haku in Spirited Away. He has this raspy, soulful quality that made Kovu’s internal struggle between his loyalty to Zira and his love for Kiara feel real.
The Younger Versions
Before they grew up, we had the "cub" versions of the characters:
- Michelle Horn played Young Kiara.
- Ryan O’Donohue played Young Kovu.
- Lacey Chabert (yes, Gretchen Wieners herself!) voiced Young Vitani.
The Villains: Zira and the Outsiders
If you want to talk about a powerhouse performance, we have to talk about Suzanne Pleshette as Zira. She was terrifying.
Zira wasn't just a female Scar; she was more intense because her motivation was pure, unhinged revenge. Pleshette’s gravelly, menacing delivery made "My Lullaby" one of the best villain songs in the Disney catalog. She didn't just play a bad guy; she played a grieving, radicalized mother. It’s dark. Like, surprisingly dark for a "kids' movie."
Andy Dick voiced Nuka, Zira’s neurotic oldest son. It was a weird casting choice on paper, but it worked. He brought this pathetic, desperate-to-be-loved energy to a character that you almost feel sorry for right before his tragic end.
The Comedy Duo: Timon and Pumbaa
Can you imagine anyone else voicing these two? Thankfully, we didn't have to. Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella returned as Timon and Pumbaa.
Their chemistry is legendary. They actually recorded their lines together for the first movie, which is rare in animation. For the sequel, they kept that Vaudeville-style banter alive. They provided the much-needed levity in a story that—let's be honest—involved a lot of lion-on-lion violence and emotional trauma.
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Key Changes You Might Have Missed
Not everyone from the 1994 classic made it back.
Zazu was originally voiced by Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean). For the sequel, Edward Hibbert took over. Hibbert is great—he has that perfect British "properness"—and he actually voiced the character so well that most people didn't even notice the switch. He eventually became the go-to voice for Zazu in several other projects.
Rafiki saw the return of Robert Guillaume. He won an Emmy for Benson and brought that same eccentric, wise energy to the mandrill. Sadly, Guillaume passed away in 2017, but his Rafiki remains one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Why This Cast Still Matters Today
People are still obsessed with the Lion King 2 Simba's Pride cast because they treated the material with respect. Usually, with sequels, actors "phone it in." This group didn't. They managed to make a story about exile and forbidden love feel as weighty as the original.
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If you’re looking to revisit the movie, pay attention to the singing voices versus the speaking voices. Disney often split these roles to get the best of both worlds—acting chops and Broadway-level vocals. It’s why the soundtrack, featuring songs like "He Lives in You" (originally from the Broadway show) and "Love Will Find a Way," still hits so hard.
To get the most out of your next rewatch, try to spot the subtle ways Jason Marsden changes his tone as Kovu starts to trust Simba. It’s a masterclass in voice acting that goes way beyond just "reading lines."
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the "making of" featurettes on Disney+ to see the voice actors in the booth.
- Listen to the Rhythm of the Pride Lands album; many of the songs influenced the sequel’s musical direction.
- Compare the 1998 sequel's character designs with the original; you'll notice the "Outlanders" have distinct, sharper features compared to Simba's pride.
The legacy of this cast is that they proved a sequel could have its own soul. They took characters we loved and let them grow up, fail, and eventually find peace. That’s a lot to ask of a cartoon about lions, but they pulled it off.