From nuzzling lions to a roaring Simba, you just can't wait to get these 'Lion King' toys
Twenty-five years after The Lion King roared in movie theaters, Disney’s cartoon classic is returning to theaters in an all-new form. The new Lion King brings its animal cast to life through state-of-the-art photorealistic animation and a cast led by Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Here’s Yahoo Entertainment’s guide to the fresh wave of Lion King merchandise currently available on shelves.
Nuzzling Simba & Nala
Can you feel the cuteness tonight? These 10” plush versions of The Lion King’s adorable royal couple get all nuzzly when you press their cheeks together.
The Lion King Funko Pops
If you ask us, this ferocious Scar is the pick of Funko’s Lion King litter. But if you want a Pop with a smidgen more cuddle, Simon, Timon, Pumbaa and Rafiki are your spirit animals.
Shop it: $10.99 each on Entertainment Earth
Build-a-Bear Lion King Collection
Can’t choose between a cuddly version of Puumba or Timon? Hakuna matata, friends! Thanks to Build-a-Bear, you can buy both. Nala and Simba are also available as childhood pals or grown-up royalty.
Shop it: $15-$35 on Build-a-Bear Workshop
The Lion King Monopoly
It’s the circle of (board game) life: Pass Go and tour such Pride Rock-adjacent properties as the Tree of Life and Elephant Graveyard. Play pieces include Simba, Nala and Mufasa.
The Lion King Mash’ems
Basic Fun’s line of pint-sized squeezable Lion King Mash’ems will get you feeling all squishy inside. Buy them individually or collect the 6-pack, which comes with a mystery glow-in-the-dark character.
Shop it: $4.99 at Walmart or $17.99 for the 6-pack on Amazon
Nala and Simba Plush
Here’s a toy that does some good for the planet: For each of these special edition plush versions of Nala and Simba that you purchase, Disney will donate $5 to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund, which supports Africa’s lion population.
Shop it: $19.95 each on Shop Disney
Roaring Simba
Little Simba finds his roar courtesy of Just Play’s deluxe plush toy. Push the button on his leg, and the heir to Pride Rock moves his head and mouth to utter growls and dialogue from the movie.
The Lion King Audiobook
Follow Simba’s journey from cubhood to adulthood, sans music, courtesy of the all-new novelization, performed by Audible regular, Janina Edwards.
Shop it: $13.61 or free with an Audible subscription
The Lion King T-shirt
Declare your Lion King pride with this warm weather tee, emblazoned with a roaring Simba lording over the Pride Lands.
Shop it: $24.95 on Shop Disney
Mighty Roar Simba
Hasbro’s wide-eyed Simba comes with over 100 sound-and-motion combinations, from “Hakuna matata” to “Slimy, yet satisfying.” He’ll utter the latter after you feed him a tasty grub. That’s the food chain in action, right there.
The Lion King opens in theaters on July 19. Visit Fandango for showtime and ticket information.
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