Hakuna Matata is one of the most iconic parts ofThe Lion King, but there’s always been some level of uncertainty about how much time really passed as Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa sang the song. Thankfully,Mufasa: The Lion Kinghas clarified how long the song lasted concerning the characters' lives.The Lion KingusedHakuna Matataas an opportunity to deliver one of its catchiest songs and move the plot forward with a time jump, as a montage in the middle showed Simba growing older as he lived with Timon and Pumbaa.
Throughout the song, various stages of Simba’s life are shown. He begins Hakuna Matata as a young cub, grows a bit bigger to have the start of his red mane, continues to have a more well-rounded head of hair, and then finishes the musical number closely resembling Mufasa. While even 2019’sThe Lion Kingreferenced how much Simba changed throughout the song, with Timon and Pumbaa mentioning that he’s gained 400 pounds since they started singing, it’s never been clear how much time passed during Hakuna Matata.Mufasa’s soundtrackdoesn’t include Hakuna Matata, but the film provides an answer.
Mufasa: The Lion King Confirms Hakuna Matata’s Montage Lasts 6 Years
Timon & Pumbaa Mention What Happened Last Time They Sang The Song
At one point inMufasa: The Lion King, Timon and Pumbaa begin discussing whether they should perform their iconic song one more time, this time to entertain Kiara and inject themselves into the story a bit more. While Pumbaa starts to sing the song, Timon advises against getting into the full performance once again. His reasoning is plainly stated whenhe says they sang Hakuna Matata for six years straightthe last time. This is a direct reference to when they sang the song with Simba, confirming the entire montage lasted six years in a meta way.
Timon and Pumbaa have plenty of fourth wall-breakingreferences inMufasa: The Lion King, so it could be easy to dismiss this as another example. However, unlike them mentioning the Broadway musical or something else, this seems to be a more explicit reference to what happened in this fictional world. SinceMufasa: The Lion Kingcame out only five years after 2019’sThe Lion King, Timon’s line cannot be justified as a reference to the gap between the movies. It only works as proof that six years passed during Hakuna Matata, making everyone significantly older by the end.
Mufasa’s Confirmation Helps Clear Up The Lion King Timeline
How Long Simba Was Gone Is Now Confirmed
Taking Timon’s comment at face value, it’s now clear exactly how long Simba was gone and presumed dead by Sarabi, Nala, Scar, and the rest of the tribe. This brings further clarity to the franchise’s timeline and seeingThe Lion Kingmovies in order. Simba is around six or seven years old when he returns to Pride Rock, which is about when lions are fully in adulthood in real life. This explanation inMufasa: The Lion Kingalso aligns well with how fast lions grow, as males typically have a full mane when they are five or six.
