What is the name of the villain?

The villain in The Lion King is Scar. He is Mufasa’s younger brother and Simba’s paternal uncle, and his resentment of the royal succession drives the film’s central conflict.

Scar believes he should inherit the throne, but Mufasa’s son Simba stands ahead of him in the line of succession. Scar therefore plots with a group of hyenas to eliminate Mufasa and Simba. After Mufasa’s death and Simba’s disappearance, Scar takes control of the Pride Lands and rules through fear, manipulation, and dependence on the hyenas.

Scar’s name reflects his most visible feature: a scar over his left eye. Jeremy Irons provided his speaking voice in the 1994 film, and the character’s musical number “Be Prepared” reveals his ambition and alliance with the hyenas. His famous betrayal also makes him one of Disney animation’s most recognizable villains.

Kovu is not the villain of the original film; he is a central character in the sequel The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. Simba is the rightful heir, while Mufasa is Scar’s older brother and the reigning king at the beginning of the story.