While the main plot of The Lion King derives from Hamlet, there is plenty of original material. The dialogue is distinctly un-Shakespearean, and the entire film manages to strike the difficult balance between fun and folly. Simba and Nalas scheme in I Just Cant Wait To Be King to escape Zazu and explore an elephant graveyard on their own is certainly entertaining, but the movie makes clear to viewers that its actually a really bad idea. Similarly, as enviable as was Simbas life of relaxation in the jungle, it was never portrayed as particularly admirable. There is a flow from beginning to end, and we witness Simbas highs and lows as he develops from cub to king. In 90 minutes. Take that, Hamlet.