With the upcoming live action Lion King film rapidly approaching, many fans of Disney's animated The Lion King are remembering their favorite characters with warm nostalgia, picturing Mufasa's ferocity, Nala's dedication and Simba's journey from scared child to capable leader. Newcomers to the film are also excited to see the many different personalities come to life on the big screen.
That's why it's so much fun to not only guess which Myers-Briggs Personality Type each character in the film is but also which ones most align with our own personalities. We can decide if we're more of a steady Sarabi, boisterous Pumbaa or any other of our favorite characters.
Simba: ISFP
It's interesting that Simba is an ISFP, "The Adventurer," as both a child and an adult, although these are presented in different ways. As a child, Simba wants to go beyond the limits of his life, both literally and figuratively, paving a completely different lifestyle for himself than the one his father had planned. Like the classic Adventurer, he literally has to step out of the spotlight to recharge.
As an adult, Simba remains on the introverted side, preferring his small group of friends. He still doesn't want to be "boxed in," but defies Scar's expectations to take back the kingdom his uncle stole. His story might be similar, but Simba is no Hamlet! He's not one to plan or take criticism well, but once he knows why it's so important he doesn't hesitate to toss the hyenas from the Pride Lands to ensure the safety of his people.
Timon: ESFP
Sure, he's a meerkat, but Timon might as well be a ham. Nathan Lane perfectly portrayed this ESFP, "The Entertainer," in the original animated movie. Timon has a larger-than-life personality that more than makes up for his physical size! His enthusiasm is contagious, immediately reeling Simba in, and his spontaneity is evident the moment he decides to adopt his natural predator as a BFF.
Timon's energy is so effervescent that no one can resist singing along with him, and not only does he love the spotlight, but he also uses it to encourage others, making him a classic Entertainer. We can't wait to see what Billy Eichner does with the character.
Scar: INTJ
Scar is a classic INTJ, "The Architect." He has a plan for everything and he pretty much exists in the realm of strategy rather than action. Ambitious, cunning and known for scheming for long periods of time, architects are seen as bookworms rather than athletes, which pretty much sums up the juxtaposition between Scar and Mufasa.
Scar prefers scheming and analytical thinking over social gossip. Like other architects, Scar exhibits both idealism and cynicism. He believes in a better world that he alone can create, yet he is resentful over being in Mufasa's shadow. He's also insightful yet mysterious, someone who is hard to read, even to his family.
Sarabi: ISFJ
Simba's mother is "The Defender," a protective ISFJ who probably could have saved both her husband and son had she known about Scar's plan at the beginning. She'd certainly leave for help as Nala did, but she is so dedicated to ensuring the safety of the rest of the lionesses after Scar's coup that she knows she needs to remain and offer as much protection as she can.
Reserved yet warm, Sarabi is every bit the queen she should be. She is kind and altruistic, putting the needs of others before her own, yet also playful enough to prod her husband into caring for their early rising son. She takes this role very personally and it matters to her that she gets to help as many in her care as she can.
Nala: ENFJ
Like Sarabi, Nala has a Defender-style personality, but hers is more along the lines of "The Consul," or the ENFJ. Not only is she the most eager of the lionesses to find help, but she cares so much that she pushes Simba hard to make his return. Nala is more sociable than Sarabi, too, and her can-do attitude makes her a popular leader.
Nala can feel the love tonight. She enjoys friendships but also ensuring that everyone is as healthy and happy as possible. Altruistic and traditional, Nala wants the kingdom to return the way it was with its intended ruler. She's also a devoted partner and parent, making these her top priorities by the end of the film.
Pumbaa: ESTP
Like his bestie Timon, Pumbaa is a social guy who enjoys the company of his friends. As an ESTP, or "The Entrepreneur," Pumbaa has an affable spirit that's hard to not like. He loves to laugh and has a blunt sense of humor that he enjoys sharing with the world. He's not a big thinker, and would rather be engaged in activities with his friends rather than philosophizing... most of the time. He did figure out what stars were, after all!
Pumbaa lives in the moment and lives for pleasure, whether that means living with no worries or finding some delicious grubs to chow down. He's also one to think of rules as something to break rather than enforce.
Zazu: ESTJ
If there ever was an ESTJ, "The Executive," it was Zazu! This bird lives for administrative work and enjoys managing things, people (although not necessarily Simba) and especially the rules. He's all about order and tradition, which makes him a great adviser in many ways and a little out of touch in others. If Pride Rock had paperwork to do, Zazu would be on top of it. This bird would have binders of binders.
Many American presidents have been executives, and Zazu would definitely make a good leader if given the occasion to be one. It will be fun to see how John Oliver portrays him in the live action movie.
Rafiki: INFJ
Rafiki is introverted and mystical, preferring to remain by himself rather than socialize too much. Even so, he has a vested interest in the people around him and works to ensure that the right thing is done according to his code of ethics, even if it's by unconventional means. His tireless idealism and inspiring nature make him an INFJ, "The Advocate."
Rafiki is both a dreamer and a doer, using his visions to create a better world, even if it means giving Simba a hearty shove--or bop on the head--in order to do so. Rafiki is typically soft-spoken, only voicing what needs to be said, but he also stands beside his strong opinions with passion and dedication.
Shenzi: ENFP
Whoopi Goldberg is the reason we love Shenzi, the wacky yet smartest hyena who is logical yet finds the fun in the situation. As an ENFP, "The Campaigner," she's ready to help Scar with his rise to leadership, but she's also the life of the party. Shenzi, like the other hyenas, loves to laugh, and she uses her energy to help lead the rest of the hyenas.
Shenzi is all about social time and loves nothing more than to roughhouse with her pals, but she also sees the bigger picture. As one of the "Diplomat" styles, Shenzi definitely sees a better future for herself that she wants to help make happen.
Mufasa: ENTJ
The brave and even intimidating Mufasa is a textbook ENTJ, "The Commander." He's born to lead and has both the confidence and charisma to do so. Mufasa is pretty much the epitome of this personality: driven, determined and even ruthless. He has a cunning mind as well as physical prowess, which is why it takes a really low, underhanded move to take him down. Otherwise, he would have lived into a ripe old age.
ENTJs find their happiness in their achievements, and for Mufasa this means his legacy. He wants to continue the Circle of Life and ensure that Pride Rock is healthy and protected, which means that his ultimate goal is to prepare his son for his own role in it.