When the film was released there was a stir in Japan. The film was very similar to the well known anime series 'Kimba the White Lion'. First there is the obvious similarity in names (Simba and Kimba). Also, both had a yakis, babon as a shaman. But the similarities don't end there, both had an evil uncle - 'Scar' in the movie and 'Claw' in the series - as well as henchman hyenas. Plus a pose oleh a king on a rock. The possible lawsuit was dropped, because Osamu Tezuka's (the producer's) widow berkata that he would have been flattered that disney was inspired oleh the series.

The film's original opening was...