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Nala is an adult female lioness and the queen of Pride Rock. She is the mate of Simba, with whom she has a son, Kion, and a daughter, Kiara.
Biography
Backstory
Infant Nala
Nala was presumably born sometime during Mufasa's reign. As an infant, she was betrothed to Simba, the prince of the Pride Lands.
The Lion King
Cubhood
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Nala is first seen asleep, cradled in Sarafina's paws as Simba runs through the den, intent on waking his father for a morning lesson.
Sarafina bathing Nala
Later that day, Nala is being bathed by her mother, Sarafina. Simba greets her, whispering to her that he's just heard about a great place which they can explore. Nala points out through clenched teeth that she's in the middle of a bath, accepting her mother's cleansing licks while Simba is abducted by Sarabi and given a bath of his own. While her mother washes her lower back, Nala remarks that the place they're going to had better not be dumb. Simba reassures her that it's really cool, but Sarabi gets suspicious. Nala disapproves of this "place" being around the water hole, asking what's so special about it. Simba whispers through clenched teeth that "he'll show her when they get there," hinting that they aren't really going to the water hole. Nala realizes this immediately, asking her mother for permission to accompany Simba. She then joins him in charming Sarabi into letting them go, and equally disapproves of Zazu keeping an eye on them.
As they tread toward the water hole, Nala asks Simba in a whisper what their true destination is, to which Simba responds that it's an elephant graveyard Nala responds with excitement, but Simba shushes her, reminding her that Zazu is hovering just above them. Nala asks how they can get rid of him, and the two cubs begin to whisper a plan to each other, something Zazu mistakes as them being romantic.
"No one sayin' be there!"
The cubs glance at each other, shifting in confusion when Zazu mentions them being "betrothed" and similar terms they don't understand. Nala asks for clarification, and both cubs recoil in disgust when they realize that they are to be married someday. Nala comments that them being married would be "weird" and points out that since Simba is the future king, Zazu must do what he says when Simba states to do away with the betrothal. Zazu says he doesn't, not yet anyway, telling Simba that he's shaping up to be a pretty pathetic king.
The two cubs proceed into "I Just Can't Wait to be King" in order to distract Zazu, trapping him underneath the underside of a rhino and bounding away. Nala happily remarks on how they lost Zazu, pointing out to Simba that the plan was her idea and pinning him when he decides to tackle her. He pushes her off, and he tackles her again, only to be pinned again.
Nala slipping down a pile of bones
A geyser interrupts the two, and the cubs realize that they've arrived at the Elephant Graveyard. Nala wanders into the hyenas' home, wondering if the elephant's brains are still inside its head. Simba begins to trot forward to find out. Zazu has caught up to them, though, and demands that they return to the Pride Lands, very aware that they are in danger. Before they can return, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed exit the large skull the two cubs were intent on checking out and accuse the trio of trespassing.
Zazu begins to herd the two out of the place, but the hyenas corner them, making it apparent that they desire the cubs as food, and while they're distracted, Nala and Simba make a run for it. Zazu is snatched from the air, and the cubs go back to find him, challenging the hyenas and ending up running for their lives again. Nala and Simba scale up a mass of bones, but the young lioness slides down toward the menacing jaws of Shenzi, but before the hyena can do any harm to her, Simba slashes the hyena across the face while Nala gets away. The two cubs attempt to climb an elephant skeleton but can't get a good grip, weakening the slim strip of flesh that they are jumping on. They fall through and are cornered in the deceased animal's ribcage.
Nala mourning Simba's "death"
Nala hides behind Simba as he tries to scare the hyenas off with his kittenish roar, but Mufasa comes to the rescue, drowning out Simba's roar with his own powerful one. He beats, pins, and scares off the hyenas, turning his fury on Zazu and then Simba for disobeying him. As they trot away, Nala quietly tells Simba that she had thought he was very brave. The cubs walk through the clearing in silence, and Mufasa commands Zazu to take Nala home. She glances back at Simba, leaving the father and son alone.
Nala is last seen as a cub the following night when Scar breaks the news to the rest of the pride about Mufasa and Simba's deaths in the gorge. She nuzzles against her mother's leg and sheds a single tear, looking on in shock and fear as the hyenas close in on Pride Rock.
Young adulthood
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Many years later, Nala, now a fit young lioness, relentlessly chases Pumbaa through the jungle when he strays too far from Timon in pursuit of a beetle. She expertly keeps up with the warthog as he tries to throw her off by turning and twisting. Just as she lunges to kill him and Timon, Simba charges toward her, surprising her. The two fight, with Nala clawing at Simba's head, shoulders, face, and mane until he tackles her, and she uses her signature move, pinning him hard to the ground.
Simba recognizes Nala
When Simba says her name, she becomes surprised and gets off him, inquiring about his identity. It only takes her a second to realize that "Simba" is the name of the dead prince and that this is the same lion. The two greet each other excitedly, asking each other what they're doing in the jungle until Timon, confused as to why they are no longer fighting, breaks it up and demands to know what's going on. Simba introduces Nala to his two friends, and Nala is pleasured to meet them. She then turns her attention back to Simba, musing about what will happen when everyone finds out that he's been here all this time. She unknowingly recites Scar's words exactly when she asks Simba what Sarabi will think. When Simba tells her that no one has to know, she tells him that everyone thinks he's dead as Scar had told the pride about the stampede. Simba asks her for more, but the lioness insist that it doesn't matter since he's alive and the true king.
Timon scoffs at this, telling Nala that she has her "lions crossed." When Pumbaa begins worshiping Simba, the young lion tells him to stop. Timon corrects Pumbaa's word choice, laughingly saying that Simba isn't the king. He then curiously asks Simba if he is. Simba abruptly replies no, and Nala objects. He reinforces his argument, moving to walk off. Privately annoyed with Timon and Pumbaa's presence, Nala politely asks the two to excuse them for a few minutes. Once they are gone, Nala points out sadly to Simba how much his return will mean to everyone; especially her. Simba reassures her that it's okay, and Nala nuzzles him, telling him that she's really missed him. The two continue to nuzzle each other, their affection leading into "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", where Simba and Nala begin to fall in love.
Simba and Nala in "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
Simba gives Nala a tour of the jungle, asking her if she thinks it's a great place. Nala says it's beautiful but begins to ask again why he hasn't returned home if he's been alive this whole time. She is unsatisfied with Simba's answer of wanting to "get out on his own" and "live his own life," seriously telling him that they've really needed him at home. When he denies this, Nala again reinforces that he's the king, and again Simba denies this, claiming that Scar is. Nala tells him about the chaos that's been brewing in the Pride Lands under Scar's rule, telling Simba that if he doesn't return, everyone will starve. Once more, Simba says that he can't go back, moving to flee from Nala's questioning. Simba points out that Nala has left as well, but she counters by telling him that she only left to find help. Having found Simba, Nala realizes that he is their only hope.
When again Simba denies and sarcastically apologizes to her, Nala tells him that he isn't the Simba she remembers and that she is disappointed in him. Simba again moves to get away from her, admitting that he is now different and grumbling at how her words reflected his father's. In turn, Nala grumbles that at least one of them sounds like Mufasa and is willing to take up their responsibility. This response infuriates Simba, and the two launch into a brief but heated conflict. Nala tries again, softly this time, to get Simba to tell her what he has been through, responding angrily when Simba refuses to tell her anything.
Nala in the final battle
After Simba decides to return, Nala is still in the jungle, looking for him. She finds Timon and Pumbaa in hopes that they know where Simba has gone off to. Rafiki tells them from atop a tree that "the king has returned." Upon hearing this, Nala is unable to believe that Simba has gone back, and after explaining the situation to Timon and Pumbaa, she runs off to assist him.
Just as Simba gets an eyeful of his home which has been utterly destroyed by Scar, Nala appears by his side, Timon and Pumbaa in tow, and the four head toward Pride Rock. They sneak past the hyenas, using Timon and Pumbaa to lure some of the others away, and Simba tells Nala to find Sarabi and rally the lionesses while he looks for Scar.
Sarabi is with Scar, however, so Nala herself leads the lionesses to Pride Rock just as Scar assaults Sarabi and Simba confronts Scar. Scar brings up Mufasa's death, and Nala confusedly asks what Scar is talking about. Upon hearing the "truth," the lionesses are shocked, Sarabi refusing to believe it. Nala shrieks in horror when Scar backs Simba over the edge of Pride Rock and is the first lioness to lunge forward when Scar admits that he, not Simba, is the one who killed Mufasa.
Simba, Nala, and their newborn cub
After Simba emerges victoriously from his fight with Scar, he embraces Sarabi and Nala before taking his rightful place as king. The lionesses watch with relief and joy as Simba ascends Pride Rock and roars across his reclaimed kingdom with the lionesses roaring back in reply. Some time later, after the Pride Lands are restored to their former glory, Nala becomes Simba's queen. The two, along with Timon and Pumbaa, stand on the promontory of Pride Rock as they proudly watch the assembly of the animals below Pride Rock. Then Rafiki arrives, cradling their newborn cub, and Simba and Nala happily watch as Rafiki presents the next in line to the throne to the animals of the Pride Lands.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Adulthood
Seasons later, now a fully grown adult, Nala has visibly aged with her frame being heavier and larger. Her personality is different since becoming queen. Nala has become calm, mild-mannered, and motherly in the sequel. Simba and Nala now have a daughter named Kiara. Nala's parenting approach contrasts with Simba's need to know that his daughter is safe.
Nala at Kiara's presentation
Nala first appears in the film as Rafiki presents Kiara to the animals. She looks on proudly as the animals admire her. She later appears in the first scene when she tells Kiara to mind her father. She then has a discussion with Simba after Kiara runs off to play by herself. However, Nala's advice to let Kiara roam is ignored when Simba sends Timon and Pumbaa to look after their daughter. She later appears when she, Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and some of the Pride Landers arrive to rescue Kiara from Zira after seeing her with Kovu near the Outlands. When Zira leaves after having a confrontation with Simba, Nala notices that Simba wants to stay behind so he can discipline Kiara, and she returns with the rest of the pride to Pride Rock.
Nala and Kiara approve of Kovu staying with them
Years later, Kiara has grown into a young adult. Nala talks to Kiara before her first hunt and nuzzles her affectionately. She next appears when Kiara is rescued by Kovu and reminds Simba that he owes Kovu their daughter's life due to royal protocol. She is present that night when Simba has a nightmare about trying to rescue his father during the stampede. However, she is fast asleep and remains silent after the nightmare.
As Kiara and Kovu spend time together in the grasslands that night, Nala finds Simba on a hill, desperately trying to seek advice from the great kings of the past. She consults him, seeing the good in Kovu that Simba cannot see past due to Kovu being Scar's heir. Nala urges him to get to know Kovu more. Nala is then seen the next day standing next to Simba after he was injured in an ambush set up by Zira. She then sees Kovu arrive outside Pride Rock and watches Kiara go to greet him, only to be stopped by Simba, who believes that Kovu was part of the ambush. Nala looks on as Kiara tries and fails to get Simba to listen to Kovu. When Simba banishes Kovu from the Pride Lands, Nala's expression shows that she is shocked by his decision, before watching Kiara rush forward to try and stop the exile, only to be stopped by the other lionesses. Nala is not seen with the other lionesses when Kiara flees her father.
Nala and her pride prepare for battle
Nala is present at the final battle when she confronts Vitani. Vitani taunts her about Kiara's disappearance, and the lionesses attack each other with Nala outmatching Vitani. After Kiara prevents Zira from killing Simba, the two fall down the gorge. Nala yells directions to Simba as he leaps into the gorge to rescue Kiara, who is stranded above the swollen river. As Simba rescues Kiara and helps her back up the ledge, Nala is relieved to see her daughter safe and sound, and the two embrace. After Simba reconciles with Kovu and the reformed Outsiders, Nala and the others journey back to Pride Rock, where she and Simba proudly witness Rafiki blessing the union of Kiara and Kovu. They then lead the procession, with the new couple Kiara and Kovu following them, to the promontory of Pride Rock, where they all let out a loud roar across the Pride Lands.
The Lion King 1½
Nala tries to explain Simba's return
Nala plays a minor role in this film. She appears for a brief second as a cub when Timon and Pumbaa get disturbed by Simba, Nala, and the animals singing "I Just Can't Wait to be King." She is later seen when Simba reunites with her in the jungle, while Timon comments that Simba's love for her will tarnish their friendship with him. This leads to Timon and Pumbaa trying to ruin Simba and Nala's romantic evening in the "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" sequence. Nala is later seen walking up with Simba on a hill (to which they rolled down from) toward the end of the sequence. Timon and Pumbaa later witness Simba leaving an argument he is having with Nala, and Timon assures Pumbaa that the romance between the two lions is now over. Finally, Nala is seen in an extension of the scene where she explains to Timon and Pumbaa about Simba's return.
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
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Nala is present when Rafiki and Simba come to the conclusion that Kion is to lead the new Lion Guard. She later witnesses an antelope stampede started by Janja and his minions, and watches as her son Kion leads the Lion Guard into battle.
The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar
Nala can be seen surveying the Pride Lands from atop Pride Rock with her mate, Simba. During "Path of Honor", Nala appears in a flashback to Kion's infanthood, smiling encouragingly at her son.
Later, Nala is present for Makini's introduction to the royal family. When Kiara volunteers to help Ma Tembo locate water, Nala agrees that it would be a good experience for her, and she and Simba allow Makini to accompany Kiara as well. When Kiara's friends, Tiifu and Zuri, try to follow the pair, Nala halts them and offers to spend the day with them instead, much to Tiifu and Zuri's pleasure.
Nala later appears in amidst the crowd of animals following Ma Tembo as the elephant searches for water.
Other roles
The Stage Musical
Nala sings "Shadowland"
In the musical, Nala's role is considerably expanded, with the events leading up to Nala leaving the Pride Lands under Scar's tyranny depicted in detail. Nala first appears in the musical as she is hunting with the other lionesses, replacing the scene from the film during which she is bathed by her mother. Later, during the song, "I Just Can't Wait to be King," she sings quite a few extra lines that aren't heard in the film version.
In the scene "The Madness of King Scar," the lonely, mentally ill Scar decides to take Nala as his mate, despite the fact that she is angrily opposed to the idea. This leads to the musical number "Shadowland," where Nala sings about her need to leave the Pride Lands and find help. The other lionesses sing as the supporting choir, and Rafiki the baboon sings a blessing over Nala. At the end of the song, Nala bids her pride a sad farewell and leaves.
TV series
The Lion Guard
"The Rise of Makuu"
Nala with her son, Kion
Nala is first seen when her son Kion returns to Pride Rock, admitting his misgivings about the mashindano between Makuu and Pua. Nala gently reminds him that Simba had used a physical fight to beat Scar, and Simba explains that although he is king, many animal species have traditions that he must recognize and respect.
Nala later witnesses the mashindano between Makuu and Pua. When Kion expresses shock over Makuu's win, Nala grimly assures him that Pua has been defeated.
Not long after this, Nala is absent from Pride Rock, as she is out hunting with Simba.
"Can't Wait to be Queen"
While Kiara stays behind to watch over the Pride Lands, Nala meets with Simba and Zazu to begin their journey to Kilio Valley for a funeral. Along the way, Simba worries over having to give a tribute in the elephant language, and Zazu brags over his own skill in mastering animal languages. Unbeknownst to the trio, they have been spied on by Mzingo, who resolves to keep an eye on the doings of the Pride Landers.
As Zazu teaches Simba elephantese, the king loses his patience and roars at Zazu, blowing him into a patch of grass. Nala dashes to her mate's side and reminds him that though he may not be an elephant, he is a king and that it is his duty to carry out this tribute to an old friend.
Simba, Nala, and Zazu arrive at Kilio Valley
Eventually, Simba and Nala arrive at Kilio Valley, where they witness the elephant herd placing flowers on the dead Aminifu's body. After meeting with the herd, Simba gives his tribute to the elephants, but instead of saying, "He had good on him," the standard elephantese tribute, he says, "He had poop on him." Though Simba and Nala are horrified at this turn of events, the elephants begin to laugh, and Aminifu's daughter, Ma Tembo, explains that her father always used to have poop on him and that it was often the cause of much laughter.
When Simba and Nala return home, Kiara asks how the tribute had gone, and Nala answers that everything had turned out fine. She then asks how ruling the Pride Lands had gone, and though Kiara begins to stumble over her words, Kion jumps in, proclaiming that Kiara is going to make a great queen someday.
"The Kupatana Celebration"
At the Kupatana celebration, Nala stands beside Simba and their cubs as he gives his speech to the gathered animals.
"Fuli's New Family"
Nala directs Kiara and her friends, Tiifu and Zuri, in tracking gazelles.
"Paintings and Predictions"
Nala is mentioned when Rafiki tells the story of her father.
"Bunga and the King"
Nala teases her mate, Simba
On their way to attend the first elephant concert of the season, the royal family finds themselves on unstable ground. Though Nala and Kiara escape the sinkhole that opens beneath them, Simba gets himself trapped saving his daughter. However, he insists that Nala go on ahead with Kiara, for it is tradition that the royal family be in attendance. Reluctantly, Nala agrees.
After the concert, Nala and Kiara praise the elephants for their performance. Just then, Simba arrives with the Lion Guard, Pumbaa, and Timon. Together, all the animals perform "Hakuna Matata".
"The Imaginary Okapi"
Kion brings Beshte's new friend, Ajabu the okapi, to Pride Rock to meet with Simba and Nala. Kion asks his parents if Ajabu can become a Pride Lander, and the two agree to let him stay in their kingdom as long as he likes.
"Baboons!"
Simba and Nala leave Kiara in charge of presiding over the Royal Buffalo Wallow.
"Never Roar Again"
Kion finds Nala surrounded by Janja and his clan
When Janja and his clan sneak into the Pride Lands, they run into Kion's mother, Nala, who orders Janja to return to his territory. Instead of heeding Nala's warning, Janja surrounds her with his cronies and orders an attack. Just then, Kion arrives and, seeing his mother in danger, uses the Roar of the Elders in a rage. The blast is so powerful that it not only knocks the hyenas back into the Outlands, but rebounds off a cliff and fractures the earth beneath Nala. As Nala struggles to keep from falling into the divide, Kion reaches down the cliff and pulls her to safety.
Once on solid ground, Nala thanks Kion for saving her life, but he laments having nearly lost her. The rest of the Lion Guard approaches and affirms that they are all right. Kion surveys the damage done by his Roar and expresses shock that his rage had brought on such destruction.
Nala nearly falls into a rift in the earth after Kion's Roar of the Elders wrecks havoc on the area
Following the incident, Kion refrains from using his powers to help the team. Bunga asks Kion why he is so reluctant to use the Roar of the Elders. Kion admits that he had nearly hurt his mother with the Roar, and Bunga points out that Kion had not done so on purpose. Despite this, Kion worries that he cannot control the Roar and should therefore never use it again. After reacting in horror to such a decision, Bunga reminds Kion that he is the leader of the Lion Guard and the fiercest in the Pride Lands, and Kion begrudgingly agrees to take his friend's advice.
Later, Kion seeks advice from his grandfather, Mufasa. He explains what had happened when he had used the Roar in anger and confesses his fear that he will turn out like Scar. In answer to this, Mufasa points out that Scar had only ever cared for himself. He then asks Kion why he had used the Roar, and Kion explains that his mother had been in danger. Mufasa reminds Kion that Scar had never cared for anyone the way Kion cares for Nala, and he encourages Kion to speak to her about the incident.
Nala reconciles with her son
Kion heeds Mufasa's advice and meets with Nala. He explains to her what had happened with his Roar and begs for her forgiveness. Nala insists that there is nothing to forgive and reminds Kion that he had saved her life, both from the hyenas and from the earthquake. Despite her reassurances, Kion confesses that he might never use the Roar again, but Nala reminds him that the Roar is a part of him and that she trusts him to use it responsibly.
As the two share a brief embrace, Ono arrives with news that Makuu has taken over the Flood Plains. Together, Kion, Nala, and Ono hasten to the scene of the crime, where Kion and Nala command Makuu to share the Flood Plains with the other Pride Landers. In answer, two of Makuu's cronies knock Nala into the water and carry her into the midst of the float, prompting Kion to nearly use the Roar in his fury. Before he can wreak havoc on the Flood Plains, he stops himself from roaring, and Nala calls for him to trust himself.
While trapped by Makuu's float, Nala encourages Kion to trust himself
Heeding his mother's advice, Kion uses the Roar to specifically target Makuu's float and keep Nala from being harmed. With the crocodiles defeated, the team praises Kion for his efforts, and Fuli comments that she had not known that he could use the Roar in such a way. Kion states that he had just needed to have faith in himself, to which Nala asserts that she has always had faith in him.
"The Trail to Udugu"
When Kiara manages to track Kion faster than ever before, Simba comments on the success, and Nala declares that the cubs are ready for a special day. Together, the two descend Pride Rock to speak with their cubs, who are still playing and squabbling. Nala steps forward and tells Kiara and Kion that they are ready to accompany her on the Trail to Udugu, which is a special ceremony for royal siblings. Simba assures Kion that in the absence of their leader, the Lion Guard will be lead by Simba.
Nala leads her cubs, Kion and Kiara, on the Trail to Udugu
After the talk, Nala leads Kion and Kiara along the Trail to Udugu. As they walk, Kion questions Kiara as to what she thinks will be waiting for them at the end of the trail, and Kiara answers that it will probably be animals excited to meet their future queen and her little brother. Kion argues that as leader of the Lion Guard, he would be received with such a reception, to which Kiara teases that they will have to see. The two cubs then begin to playfully race one another.
Kion asks Nala how much farther they must travel, and she answers that Udugu is not an easy place to find. Kiara boasts that she will find Udugu first, and Kion takes chase, unintentionally steering them toward a steep cliff. Nala yells a warning, but too late, the cubs tumble over the edge and hang on by their claws. Just in time, Nala pulls them to safety and reminds them that they must find Udugu another way.
Nala hides from her cubs in the hopes that they will work together to find Udugu
After the rescue, Nala leads Kion and Kiara to a patch of thorns, which she insists is part of the Trail to Udugu. The cubs rush into the thorns and each try to take different paths, but both find themselves in too great of pain to continue. Suddenly, the two realize that Nala is gone and begin to cry out for her. Nala, however, watches them from the bushes and comments that they are now truly on the Trail to Udugu.
Together, Kion and Kiara search for Nala, who is still missing. When neither cub turns up any leads as to where she is, Kion laments how they do not know where Udugu is and thus cannot possibly know where to find Nala. This gives Kiara an idea, and she begins sniffing for Nala's scent in the underbrush. She picks up her trail on a path through the trees, and she and Kion begin to follow it through the woods.
Nala reveals herself to her cubs after they work together to find her
Once on the trail, Kion spots Nala's pawprints, and the cubs track them to the bottom of a steep cliff. Confused, the cubs wonder where Nala could have possibly gone. Kion and Kiara muse over where Nala could be, and Kion points out that Nala could have climbed up on a nearby ledge and followed a trail along the cliff. The cubs attempt to leap onto the ledge themselves, but are unable to get a firm grasp on the edge of the cliff. Realizing that they cannot reach the ledge on their own, Kion suggests that he give Kiara a boost so that she can continue tracking Nala. Kiara asks Kion how he will reach the ledge, and he admits that she is the better tracker and should therefore be the one to continue searching for their mother.
Kiara then clambers onto Kion's shoulders and strains to reach the edge of the cliff. Eventually, she gets a firm hold on the ledge and pulls herself to the top of the cliff. There, she sees Nala, who greets her cubs warmly and bounds down from the ledge. A confused Kion questions why Nala had left them and not helped them find Udugu, and Nala explains that the cubs had found Udugu on their own. When the cubs react with puzzlement, Nala explains that "Udugu" is another word for "kinship" and that the two had found Udugu while working together to find her.
Nala stresses the importance of Udugu to her cubs
Once the three return to Pride Rock, Simba reunites with them. He asks whether they had found Udugu, and the cubs explain that they had learned to work together as brother and sister. Kion then questions how Simba had fared with the Guard, and Simba admits that working with Kion's team had helped him find Udugu as well. He stresses the importance of Udugu and reminds the cubs that they will one day be responsible for the kingdom of the Pride Lands.
"Ono's Idol"
Nala arrives with her mate, Simba, to praise the legendary eagle Hadithi, who is visiting the Pride Lands. She explains to her son, Kion, that Hadithi is a hero to animals all over the kingdom. She and Simba then invite Hadithi to a Royal Mud Print Ceremony, in which he will preserve his talon marks in mud forever alongside those of other heroes.
However, during the ceremony, Hadithi admits that he had abandoned Ono to danger, and the Lion Guard races to the rescue. After Ono is saved, Ono is honored with the ceremony instead.
"The Traveling Baboon Show"
Nala is mentioned by Kion when he tells Uroho that the Traveling Baboon Show should perform for the royal family at Pride Rock.
"Let Sleeping Crocs Lie"
Nala watches the mashindano between Kiburi and Makuu.
"Rafiki's New Neighbors"
Nala watches as Makini paints a portrait of the royal family at Pride Rock.
House of Mouse
Nala makes cameo appearances, usually as a cub. She is always seen alongside cub Simba. She also makes an appearance in the opening of Mickey's House of Villains, where her and Simba's dinner is stolen by Ed. She is seen as an adult in the episode "Timon and Pumbaa" and Mickey's Magical Christmas.
Literature
The Lion King: Six New Adventures
A Tale of Two Brothers
Nala appears briefly, greeting her son Kopa as he races to Pride Rock. She later joins her mate and son in their walk to the summit of Pride Rock.
Nala's Dare
A strange adult lion is seen in the Pride Lands during Scar's reign. The pride is suspicious, but Nala is curious about this new lion. She is soon dared by Chumvi to talk to the lion face-to-face. She knows that rogue lions can be dangerous but wants to look brave. While approaching him, she runs into hyenas, but luckily, the mysterious lion saves her. Nala finds out that the lion's name is Ni. She also finds out that he had to leave his pride, as young male lions are driven from their prides when they are old enough to fend for themselves. Nala's mother, Sarafina, introduces Ni to the rest of the Pride Landers, and then Ni leaves.
Vulture Shock
Nala is mostly wrapped up in the kidnapping of her son Kopa in this book. After being tipped off by the Buzzard Boyz, Simba and Nala lead a group of Pride Landers to save their son from a flock of vultures.
A Snake in the Grass
At the start of the book, Kopa is upset with his friend, Afua, who has found a new playmate in a cheetah cub named Beba. Timon and Pumbaa decide to teach the cub a lesson about friendship by telling him their own story. When Simba was still living with them in the jungle, a giant python named Joka tried to split the friends apart through lies and deceit in order to get Timon alone. His idea worked, and the three friends split up. Simba, however, soon figured out that it was a trap, and when Joka attacked Timon, his friends came to the rescue. After winning the fight, Simba threw Joka down a ravine, and the python was never seen or heard from again. After hearing the story, Kopa admits that maybe he was wrong about Afua and decides to forgive his friend.
Comics
Video games
Kingdom Hearts II
Nala in Kingdom Hearts II
Nala is seen in Kingdom Hearts II. Young Nala is never seen in the video game, as only adult Nala has a role in the game. She is first seen in the Pride Lands with Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Her main role is to find Simba and help him reclaim Pride Rock.
Disney Magic
Nala appears at one puzzle, romanticly looking in Simba's eyes.
Bloopers & outtakes
In The Lion King: Bloopers & Outtakes, during the end credits of the Diamond Edition, Nala and other characters are represented as live actors. In this sequence, Nala appears twice. The first time, she correctly pronounces her line, "Simba, what is he talking about?" The second time, she forgets her line, "Simba is the rightful king," which makes all the other lionesses around her begin to laugh. Then she asks to erase the whole thing and start over.
Disney parks
Legend of the Lion King
Nala in the Disney parks
Along with many other characters from the film, Nala makes an appearance as an animatronic puppet in a former Magic Kingdom show.
Fantasmic!
In the Disney's Hollywood Studios version of Fantasmic!, Nala can be seen with Simba and Zazu during the bubble montage.
Disneyland
In Disneyland, Nala is seen on The Lion King's float in Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams.
The Golden Mickeys
Nala and Simba are featured in The Golden Mickeys.
Walt Disney World
In Walt Disney World, Nala and other characters from the film are prominently featured at Disney's Art of Animation Resort.
Appearance
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As a cub, Nala is small and lithe with soft features. Her fur is colored a light tawny, while her muzzle, paws, and underbelly are all paler in contrast. Unlike most cubs her age, her paws are colorless, and her eye rims are lighter than her main pelt. Her eyebrows are also much thinner than those of her fellow cub, Simba, and her inner ears and the tip of her tail are brown in color. Her eyes appear to be pale green, though they change to teal in certain light.
Nala compared to her mother, Sarafina
Come young adulthood, Nala looks almost identical to her mother Sarafina. Her body has filled out to become sleeker and stronger, fitting the physique of a practiced hunter. She also proves herself to be exceptionally strong, able to hold her own against the much larger Simba, even managing to pin him on his back. Her coloring remains much the same, not changing until she appears as an older adult in the sequel.
As a full-grown lioness, Nala's colors have paled slightly, and her eyes have become bright blue. She has also grown somewhat larger and more filled out. To her daughter, she passed down her paler undertones, though Kiara mostly resembles her father in appearance. Nala also passed pale colors down to her son Kion, making his gold fur slightly lighter than Simba's.
Personality
| “ | Simba: You know, you're starting to sound like my father. Nala: Good. At least one of us does.
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Aided by the tempting adventure offers of her friend Simba, Nala is rambunctious as a cub and never known to turn down a chance at fun. Even the sound of a predator-infested elephant graveyard
Nala's official synopsis
is enough to perk her senses, with her eager curiosity constantly leading her deeper and deeper into adventure; and trouble. Though brave and curious, young Nala can be understandably foolish, not understanding the troubles of flirting with danger. Her mischievous nature and carefree attitude are dangerous when mixed with her thirst for adventure.
As a cub, Nala is known to be sassy, being defensive of her own accomplishments and giving her best friend cheek when prompted. Though Simba sometimes tries to claim her ideas as his own, Nala will not stand for being overlooked and is clever and strong enough to do something about it. Despite this, Nala is an encouraging friend, kind to Simba even when he makes an error. No matter what he says or does, she maintains the friendship, grieving heavily when he supposedly dies.
Come adulthood, Nala has become much more mature, practically built on persistence and responsibility. Scar's poor reign has made her realize the importance of accountability, as she has seen firsthand what Simba's lack of interest in the Pride Lands has caused. She often tries to speak sense to Simba, standing as his voice of reason, firm and resolute in her beliefs with a cutting edge to her argument. Nala isn't one to be stamped down with words, as she can hold her own in a verbal battle, parrying each of Simba's defenses with offenses of her own. No amount of yelling and accusations can beat down Nala's stubborn nature.
Nala is also known to be a fearless and loyal friend, willing to stand up to the much larger Scar in order to help her friend assume the throne. She is also the first lioness to leap into battle, rendering her courageous and willing to fight both physically and verbally for justice. Her steadfast faithfulness in Simba and her ready
A screenshot of young Nala, reflecting her mischievous and spunky nature
assistance mark her a loyal friend who is willing to put aside her own fears in order to do what is right and help a friend.
Once Nala becomes a queen, she grows much more reserved and wise, no longer as spunky as she used to be. Unlike Simba, she is very relaxed in her dealings with Kiara, trusting her daughter to take care of herself. Her gentle words and sound advice serve as a softener to Simba's hard edge, helping him realize that Kovu may not be the killer he was raised to be. Nala herself can see past Kovu's rough exterior to the hero who is longing to claw out, and she is not one to judge him for his past. She does, however, support Simba in his decisions, always standing by his side no matter what the consequences.
Nala is also supportive of Kion, as unlike Simba at first, Nala knew that her son was ready to take on responsibilities as leader of the Lion Guard.
Voice actors
- The Lion King - (1994) - (film) - Niketa Calame (cub), Moira Kelly (adult), Laura Williams (cub singing voice), Sally Dworsky (adult singing voice)
- The Stage Musical - (1997) - (musical) - Kajuana Shuford (original cub actress), Heather Headley (original adult actress)
- The Lion King II: Simba's Pride - (1998) - (film) – Moira Kelly
- The Lion King 1½ - (2004) - (film) – Moira Kelly
- Kingdom Hearts II - (2005) - (video game) – Vanessa Marshall
- The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar - (2015) - (film) - Gabrielle Union
- The Lion Guard - (2016–) - (TV series) - Gabrielle Union
Trivia
General
- Nala had two animators: Aaron Blaise, who animated her as a cub, and Anthony DeRosa, who animated her as an adult.[1]
- According to the stage musical producer Thomas Schumacher, Nala is ten years old when she finds Simba in the jungle.[2]
- Tom Bancroft, a supervising animator, says from the film's perspective that they are not implying that she is either Mufasa's or Scar's daughter. When it came up that her father was unidentified, everyone merely shrugged and figured that "no one would notice."[3]
In development
- Nala's original name was Nadra.[4]
Nala's King of the Jungle design
- Originally, Nala had a younger brother named Mheetu, but his character was dropped due to time constraints.[5]
- In an earlier draft, Nala was supposed to be banished from Pride Rock after she rejected Scar's proposal to be his queen. However, this is incorporated into the musical instead.[6]
- In King of the Jungle, Nala's mother was Naanda, who was Sarabi's sister, making Nala the cousin of Simba. In this case, Nala and Simba's relationship was incestuous.[7][8]
- During production of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, Nala had a son named Chaka. However, he was removed to make the film less complicated.[9]
Quotes
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| “ | Simba: Well, what about you? You left. Nala: I left to find help! And I found you. Don't you understand? You're our only hope.
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Gallery
 The Lion King Wiki has a collection of images and media related to Nala. |
Video
Simba and Nala reunite
References
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| Characters from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride | |
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Kiara • Kovu • Simba • Zira • Timon • Pumbaa • Rafiki • Nala • Zazu • Nuka • Vitani | |
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