Why did Rowan Atkinson not reutrn after TLK?

[Wrightfan]

Does anyone know why Rowan never returned to the TLK universe after voicing Zazu in the first film? I thought he was an underrated part there but then again, I love Rowan anyway (ESPECIALLY Black Adder.)

[SummerSnowLeopard]

I have no idea why he didn't lol. So I'm sorry to say that I cannot help you.

[FlipMode]

Personally I always thought that it was because of TLK2 being a straight to VHS thing and having a much lower production budget; so they couldn't afford to get him back perhaps?
I don't think it was that underrated though; most people say to me "Hey Mr Bean is in TLK isn't he?" or along those lines. I have met this man though! :P; unfortunately I was four at the time and can't remember it, but it was when they filmed an episode of Mr.Bean in Brighton (which is where I am from, and it was the infamous bored roller coaster scene in which they used Brighton Pier as a location).

[SummerSnowLeopard]

I suppose he didn't return because of low budget.

[Wrightfan]

Personally I always thought that it was because of TLK2 being a straight to VHS thing and having a much lower production budget; so they couldn't afford to get him back perhaps

I suppose he didn't return because of low budget.

So...creative differences it is then

[AdAstrα]

Someone said that he wasn't happy with his performance in TLK or something, so that could have been a reason for why he didn't return as well.

[FlipMode]

Zazu didn't have as big a part or hardly any lines in The Lion King 2 either; so again it probably would not be worth them forking out the money for Atkinson to return.

[SummerSnowLeopard]

Yup. I can assume that. ^^

[Noah]

I read something that said he was too busy working on a play at the time to reprise his role. I'll try to find the source. Then again, that's the risk you take when you cast big name celebrities as animated voices. On the other end of the spectrum, look at Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid). She's been able to reprise her role in the sequels, the TV show, video games, Disneyland rides narration, etc. I think its EXTREMELY lucky that Disney got most of the main cast back for this sequel. The Power of the Lion King reigns supreme.

[SimbasGuard]

I think its EXTREMELY lucky that Disney got most of the main cast back for this sequel. The Power of the Lion King reigns supreme.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. (Although I think it was wrong for (The original VHS cover of Lion King 2 I believe) to say that "The Original Voice Cast returns. (That was almost like saying that Rowan Atkinson didn't count).