My Lion King Forum

I respect everyone's feelings about Zazu, but as my name implies, I really love Zazu! I mean there would be no...
1. 'I Just Can't Wait to be King'
2. Simba and Nala would be dead
3. No 'Morning Report'
4. No fourth-wall breakers on Broadway

Without Zazu the movie plot would just...quiver. So, no. I do not feel like Zazu is a worthless character.

Zazu has such a big role in the movie as a guide! Even though most people disagree, Zazu saved Simba and Nala, gave them the motivation to be adventurous and was a large character in the movie. He's got a bit of dry humor too!

I agree that Zazu is integral to the plot. He's quite underrated. The way I see it, every non-lion character serves a purpose in the story. No matter how big or small their contribution is, they've got something to offer, even if it's their kindness and loyalty, and I value their presence in "The Lion King" universe.

I don't mind Zazu. I really don't like Rafiki though. He annoys the heck out of me!! No offense.

Zazu was given some major development in "The Lion Guard" The Episode "The Morning Report" He would have willingly sacrificed himself to save Kion (when the latter was a baby) and came to Fuli's aid when she was in dire straits in battle. He would have been killed doing so if not for Kion.

I saw that I had made an earlier post in here years back. But my view on Zazu has changed since then. He's definitely not a bad person, but just likes to behave in his own little way. Plus, his first film design as a hornbill character isn't really bad at all. So I like him as a 2D film character more now. And after seeing more of how he's really like in IJCWTBK, you know you yourself has grown up when you side with what he tries to teach cub Simba and Nala about respect and responsibility in that song, that you begin to feel a bit for him. While it is still funny though, Zazu's really only trying to help them understand more about living life.

So I mean, you can't blame the bird (despite his small and weak physical form) for trying to be a good adult role model and friend to Simba while really getting to know each other in the process for truly caring reasons, and not necessarily because Zazu knew Simba was next in line to become king. Why else would Zazu say in the song (and even with emphasizing body language using the "hands" of his wings even though he seems to easily get frustrated):

"I think it's time that you and I, arranged a heart-to-heart!"