I had an opportunity to speak with actor Moira Kelly about her voice role as Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King.” She has been busy promoting the re-release of the newly restored 3D version of the film.
Can you remember what it was like when “The Lion King” first came out and hit theaters?
I remember the premiere at Radio City Music Hall. I remember the response right after the opening sequence was huge. I think it was then that the majority of us felt, “Wow, this is something amazing. “The Lion King” was the first all animal animated movie since “Bambi” so it was somewhat groundbreaking. When you’re part of a project, you never realize where it’s going to go or how it’s going to be received. I think that night at Radio City Music Hall we all were like, “This is going to be big.”
Why has “The Lion King” become regarded as a classic film?
I think it’s the story. The idea of being part of something that’s greater than us. The circle of life that we all affect. It’s the relationship between Simba and his father. It’s this hero’s journey. [It’s] this understanding that even though we suffer loss and someone we love very much is no longer in our lives that there’s still a huge part of them that is a part of us. It’s about the struggle to try to figure out who you are and what your purpose is in life. [It’s] the idea of forgiveness that Simba has for Scar at the end. The realization that you’re never alone. I really do believe the story just captured [all] that. People just relate to that. It’s very universal and timeless.
How has the success of “The Lion King” affected your life?
Personally, I’m just so honored to be part of Disney animation. Disney is timeless and magical. To have this film, be a part of it, and be able to share it with my two children is a wonderful opportunity.
How have your children reacted to your stardom?
There aren’t many films I’m in that my children can watch. They had an idea mommy was an actor. We went to see the premiere of the “The Lion King 3D” and they were just blown away. They’re very proud and happy. I’m very cool in their eyes right now. My son had me go talk to his class on career day about doing the voice of Nala. It was a very proud moment for him. They keep me humble. I’m still mommy at the end of the day. I think having this one film and being part of it and sharing it with them is such a wonderful opportunity. I know that I if they grow up, get married, and have children they can show it to them and say, “Hey, that’s grandma.” That’s so exciting.
Do you think “The Lion King” being transferred into 3D has added to the experience of seeing it?
If done well, 3D can really enhance the viewing experience. It was so beautiful to see it visually when it was in 2D. The colors, the Pride Lands, and everything about it was so beautiful. To see it in 3D is truly spectacular. Zazu flying in during the opening sequence [makes] you feel like you’re in the air right behind him. You feel like you’re right there in the film itself. I just think that this film, being as beautiful as it is to begin with, is just going to blow people away who see it in 3D.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
“Bambi” Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Movie Review
“Alice in Wonderland 60th Anniversary Edition” Blu-ray / DVD Movie Review
“Fantasia / Fantasia 2000″ Blu-ray / DVD Movie Review
Eric Shirey is the founder and editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. He also served as a news reporter for the award winning movie website GordonandtheWhale.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo! Movies, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! TV, Associated Content from Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other national entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with iconic movie and TV actors like Harrison Ford, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Brooke Shields, Brendan Fraser, Gene Simmons, and many more. His personal website is www.ersink.com.