During its production phase, the movie that Disney believed would be a more surefire hit than The Lion King was Pocahontas.
Disney's Expectations During Production
In the early 1990s, when both Pocahontas and The Lion King were in development concurrently, Disney animators and executives had differing expectations for the two films.
- Pocahontas: This animated feature was seen as the studio's flagship project, anticipated to be the major success. It was considered the "surefire hit" due to its historical basis and dramatic potential.
- The Lion King: In contrast, The Lion King was viewed as more of a "wild card." It was an experimental project that took significant creative risks, and its potential for success was less certain compared to Pocahontas.
Contrasting Creative Approaches
The difference in expectations stemmed from the distinct approaches to each film:
- Pocahontas: Aimed for a more mature and serious tone, based on an existing historical narrative, often perceived as a more prestigious undertaking.
- The Lion King: Explored an original story, often likened to a Shakespearean drama set in the African savanna, with a unique animal cast. This deviation from traditional fairy tales or historical adaptations made it seem like a bigger gamble for the studio.
Ultimately, while Pocahontas received critical acclaim, The Lion King proved to be an unprecedented commercial and critical success, with its experimental nature and bigger risks paying off tremendously.
