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There are some movies that are more than just movies. They are bedrock memories, cinematic moments woven into the fabric of our childhoods. For me, and for millions, Disney’s The Lion King is one of those films. I still remember the feeling of sliding that worn-out VHS tape into the player, the magic of that opening Zulu chant, and the epic Elton John soundtrack that became the anthem of a generation.
So, when LEGO released a set dedicated to the one and only Simba, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another build. This was a chance to rebuild a piece of my childhood.
The Promise – “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”
Opening the box and sorting the vibrant yellow and orange bricks felt just like the film’s opening act. There’s a palpable sense of excitement and boundless potential, the same infectious energy Simba has as a cub. The early stages of the build are pure fun, piecing together the playful paws and curious face, all while the melody of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” practically plays on a loop in your head. You can almost feel that youthful arrogance and charm taking shape, brick by brick. Every connection is a joy, a reminder of the sun-soaked plains of the Pride Lands and the promise of a glorious future.
The Tragedy – “Long Live the King”
Every great story has its moment of darkness, and The Lion King has one of the most heartbreaking scenes in cinema history. The build mirrors this, too. There’s a point deep in the instruction manual where the techniques become incredibly complex. The internal structure requires absolute focus, a quiet concentration that feels worlds away from the playful beginning. As you carefully align the intricate Technic pieces that form the model’s core, you can’t help but be reminded of the somber, terrible quiet after the stampede. It’s a challenging section that demands respect, a fitting tribute to the moment the story, and Simba’s life, changed forever.
The Rebirth – “Hakuna Matata”
And then, just as in the film, the sun comes out again. As you emerge from the complex internal build and start adding the larger, more recognizable features, the fun comes roaring back. This is the “Hakuna Matata” phase of the build. It means no worries! The set begins to look like the character you know and love, and the process becomes a wonderful, problem-free philosophy. Each click of a brick feels like another step across that iconic log with Timon and Pumbaa. The vibrant colours return, and with them, the memories of those unforgettable, Oscar-winning songs.
The Return – “Remember Who You Are”
The final act of any LEGO build is placing the last few pieces that give the model its soul. As you attach Simba’s head and pose him in that noble, majestic stance, Mufasa’s timeless words echo: “Remember who you are.”
In that moment, this isn’t just a LEGO set. It’s a stunningly accurate sculpture of a character who represents courage, loss, and the journey to accepting one’s destiny. Looking at the finished model, I didn’t just see a brilliant display piece. I saw the culmination of that epic journey, a tangible piece of brilliant filmmaking and a monument to a story that shaped my childhood.
The Verdict
This wasn’t just a build; it was an experience. The LEGO Simba set (43247) is a nostalgic, emotional, and deeply satisfying journey from start to finish. It’s a technical marvel that perfectly captures the spirit of its character, taking the builder through the highs and lows of his story. It’s more than a recommendation; it’s an essential experience for any fan of Disney, The Lion King, or the magic of cinema. It’s a chance to hold a piece of your childhood in your hands.
