Despite initially receiving negative-to-mixed reviews, the film experienced a positive reassessment in later years, with many critics deeming it as one of Disney's better direct-to-video sequels. Jeremy Irons, who voiced Scar in the first film, was replaced by Jim Cummings, who briefly provided his singing voice in the first film. Rowan Atkinson, who voiced Zazu in the first film, was replaced by Edward Hibbert for both this film and The Lion King 1½ (2004). Most of the original cast returned to their roles from the first film with a few exceptions. Separated by Simba's prejudice against the banished pride and a vindictive plot planned by Kovu's mother Zira, Kiara and Kovu struggle to unite their estranged prides and be together. Produced by Walt Disney Video Premiere and animated by Walt Disney Animation Australia, the film centers on Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara, who falls in love with Kovu, a male rogue lion from a banished pride that was once loyal to Simba's evil uncle, Scar. According to director Darrell Rooney, the final draft gradually became a variation of Romeo and Juliet. It is the sequel to Disney's 1994 animated feature film, The Lion King, with its plot influenced by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and the second installment in The Lion King trilogy. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (also titled as The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride) is a 1998 American animated direct-to-video musical romantic drama film.

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