In the Broadway musical The Lion King, Simba becomes an adult lion after Mufasa’s death.
Simba is introduced as the young son of Mufasa, king of the Pride Lands. After Scar’s plot causes Mufasa’s death, Simba flees and grows up away from his homeland. The adult version of the character later returns to challenge Scar and reclaim the throne.
The stage musical is based on Disney’s 1994 animated film. It features music by Elton John and Hans Zimmer, lyrics by Tim Rice, and additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin. Julie Taymor directed the Broadway production and designed its distinctive puppetry and masks.
Simba is not transformed into a different species: the production uses performers, masks, and movement to show his growth from cub to adult lion. The musical opened on Broadway in 1997 and remains known for its visual staging.