I went with my sister and 3 year old nephew to the zoo today.
I was astounded by the continued influence and ubiquity of The Lion King.
Children at the Lion enclosure shouted ‘Nala’. Kids were pointing at Rafiki near the baboons. And my nephew immediately identified Timon; the lone meerkat standing atop a rock.
It’s amazing how a film from almost 30 years ago can still be so wildly popular, and continue to play a special role in connecting children with animals.
Based on the Lindy Effect, I expect The Lion King will continue to be just as influential for at least the next 30 years.
Perhaps my nephew will one day make this very same observation with his own children or nieces and nephews.