In 1994, Disney released the blockbuster film The Lion King to widespread critical acclaim. The movie became a cultural phenomenon, beloved for its showstopping music, rich world-building, poignant narrative, and memorable cast of characters. The most iconic player in The Lion King's vibrant roster is its villain, the conniving, treasonous yet vulnerable and insecure Scar, Mufasa's ostracized brother of Mufasa and Simba's duplicitous uncle.
This April, Chuck Brown -- the writer behind Bitter Root, Black Panther, and A Princess of Mars, teams up with artist Trevor Fraley to take on the backstory of the beloved villain in Scar #1. Taking place before and during the events of the original film, Scar #1 explores the complex psychology of this evil character, his relationships with the inhabitants of Pride Rock, and a whole new look at his rise and fall. In an exclusive interview with CBR, Chuck Brown shared his love for Scar's character, his connection with The Lion King, and the struggles and thrills of exploring and adapting such a well-known and beloved story. Brown and Dynamite Entertainment also share exclusive previews of two variant covers for the upcoming Scar #1 issue, courtesy of artists Jahnoy Lindsay and Karen Darboe.
CBR: You're no stranger to adaptations. You've written classic Marvel characters and reinterpreted icons from classic literature. This time, you're tackling a particularly iconic Disney Story! What makes retelling The Lion King different from Marvel heroes or classic literature?
CHUCK BROWN: Retelling The Lion King, specifically through Scar's perspective, is a unique challenge compared to Marvel heroes or classic literature because of the emotional connection many people have to the story and Scar himself. For Marvel and DC Comics, most of the intense emotional connections are from comic fans. But The Lion King is a tale that has defined a generation, and its characters are beloved in their own right by comics, animation, and film fans. While Marvel characters and literary icons have their own rich histories, adapting a Disney story means tapping into a legacy that is both visually and emotionally triggering for many readers.
What is your connection to this film? What is it about The Lion King that inspires you?
My connection to The Lion King is deeply personal. As a teenager, I was enamored with the world of Pride Rock and the characters living in it. The Lion King taught me about the circle of life, the importance of family, and the consequences of our actions. It's a story that has stayed with me through the years, inspiring me to explore themes of responsibility, power, and redemption in my writing. It's just one of those IPs that sticks with you. I hope my own IPs will be as impactful someday.
Since The Lion King is such a widely-known film, and Scar is such an influential and instantly recognizable character, were there any challenges that came with reinterpreting them? What did you have to do to prepare for this project?
Reinterpreting such a beloved film and character was a bit intimidating. I know people love these characters, and I wanted to do it right. I spent countless hours studying the source material and analyzing Scar's motivations, desires, and internal struggles. I also worked closely with my Dynamite editor, Nick Cosby, to ensure that my vision for Scar's story would align with the original narrative while offering new insights into his character and Pride Rock.
Scar is one of the most fascinating and complex characters in the Disney animation canon and beyond. What parts of his character fascinate you most? What aspects are you looking forward to exploring in Scar?
What fascinates me most about Scar is his complexity. He's deeply flawed, insecure, and ultimately self-destructive. I'm looking forward to exploring the psychological aspects of his character, delving into his past, and examining the forces that shaped him into the villain we know from The Lion King. I know the character is an evil, EVIL villain -- but I do try [to] explore the spark of humanity in him. That scene when he says he's a "monkey's uncle" while Simba is crawling around him is a little heartwarming. Part of me wishes Scar didn't go through with the coup, or at least, that it failed. Scar could have evolved like Vegeta of Dragon Ball or Negan of The Walking Dead. But I digress. Maybe Disney will let me do an Elseworlds story someday.
Scar is a look at the story of The Lion King from another perspective. What can readers expect from these new, hidden chapters of this very familiar story?
Readers can expect to discover new facets of the story and delve deeper into the world of Pride Rock. We'll be exploring Scar's relationships with other characters, his rise to power, and the consequences of his actions. We'll introduce the Wake, a couple of scheming, ambitious, yet comical Vultures. They will play a key role in Scar's rise to power. I hope to give readers a fresh look at a familiar tale, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of Scar's character.
Rafiki, another iconic character, seems set to play a key role in Scar. Audiences are familiar with his relationship with Mufasa and later Simba, but he never really interacted with Scar in the original film. What are you looking forward to most about exploring the dynamic between these two?
Dude -- I love Rafiki SO much! I'm excited to explore the dynamic between him and Scar. They represent two opposing forces in the world of The Lion King. Both are highly intelligent but embody very different philosophies and approaches to life. I believe that contrasting these two characters will provide valuable insights into Scar's motivations and lead to a richer, more nuanced narrative.
How will you apply your previous writing experiences to this new take on a classic Disney story? What are you looking forward to adding to the narrative of the original movie in Scar?
My own books -- On the Stump, Flawed, and Bitter Root -- have taught me the importance of strong character development and emotionally engaging storytelling. With Scar, I plan to apply those lessons to create a captivating narrative that not only honors the original story but also expands upon it, offering fresh perspectives and deepening our understanding of this classic tale.
What is the most fun part of adding a new scene to a familiar story? What is the hardest part?
The most fun part of adding a new scene to a familiar story is the opportunity to surprise and delight readers with unexpected twists and turns. The hardest part is ensuring that these new scenes feel organic and true to the original narrative while providing fresh insights and depth to the story. Critics are a tough part of the job. This is a franchise loved by millions. There's no way I'm going to please everyone. So, let's just say I'm going to stay off the internet when the book drops. [laughs]
What do you think it is about the story of The Lion King and Scar's character that endures so strongly in the popular imagination nearly thirty years later? What excites or fascinates you the most about this story?
The Lion King and Scar's character endured in the popular imagination because they touch on universal themes of family, power, and redemption. Scar, in particular, is a captivating figure because he represents the darker aspects of human nature that a lot of us grapple with. I know I certainly do. Yet Scar's story is also a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions. What excites me the most about this project is the opportunity to explore Scar's complexity, and to bring new depth to an iconic character and story that both resonated with audiences for decades. Also, I love writing a good villain, and Scar is one of the greatest!
Scar #1 goes on sale on April 5 and is available for pre-order at your local comic book store.