Nala (2019 film)

"Do you see any other big, lovable chunk of warthog here?" This article is about the character from the 2019 film. You may be looking for the character from the 1994 film.

"If you tell me, I'll still act surprised!" Watch out! This article contains spoilers from recently or soon-to-be released material.

Nala is an adult lioness. She is the daughter of Sarafina and the mate of Simba, with whom she has a son.

Biography

The Lion King

Cubhood

When Simba learns of the existence of the Elephant Graveyard, he goes to get his friend, Nala. He finds her getting bathed by her mother, Sarafina. Nala agrees to join Simba on a trip to the “water hole”, though Sarabi forces the cubs to bring Zazu along as a babysitter.

Along the way, Simba informs Nala about the Elephant Graveyard, and the cubs resolve to lose Zazu. Just then, Zazu reveals that the cubs are betrothed, to which both react with disgust. They then race away across the water hole, getting lost among the crowd.

With Zazu gone, the cubs begin to scuffle, with Nala easily pinning Simba. Their antics make them roll right into the Elephant Graveyard. While Simba is eager to prove his bravery by exploring the area, Nala warns Simba that they should return home.

As they are exploring, they are surrounded by Shenzi and her clan. They attempt to escape through a network of tunnels, but get cornered by the clan. Just in the nick of time, Mufasa arrives and fends off the hyenas. He leads the cubs back to the Pride Lands and has Zazu lead Nala home.

After Mufasa’s death, Nala grieves the supposed loss of her best friend, Simba.

Adulthood

Over the years, the Pride Lands turn into a wasteland under Scar’s rule. Nala is restless to leave the kingdom, but Sarabi encourages her to stay and defend her home.

One night, Nala sneaks out of the Pride Lands with the help of Zazu. She eventually reaches a lush paradise, where she attempts to hunt Pumbaa. She is thwarted by an adult male lion, whom she recognizes as her childhood friend, Simba.

The two have a joyous reunion. Nala informs Simba of Scar’s takeover, but Simba insists that they go on a tour of the jungle instead of dwelling on their problems. The two spend a romantic evening together.

Eventually, Nala brings up the subject of Scar again and urges Simba to claim his birthright. Simba refuses, and Nala sorrowfully bids him farewell.

On her way back to the Pride Lands, Simba catches up with her and joins her. Together, the two rally the lionesses against Scar and his hyena minions. A battle breaks out, with Nala taking on and defeating Shenzi.

After the pride wins the fight, Nala nuzzles Simba and watches him take his place as king. Years into his reign, the two have a cub together.

Behind the scenes

• As a cub, Nala is voiced by Shahadi Wright Joseph. As an adult, she is voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

References