What The Lion King’s "Hakuna Matata" Actually Means

“Hakuna Matata” is one of the most iconic quotes – and songs – from The Lion King, but what does it actually mean? The Lion King is an animated homage to Hamlet set in the animal kingdom. The story revolves around a lion cub named Simba who flees into the jungle when his evil uncle Scar kills his father Mufasa to usurp his throne as the King of the Pride Lands. When he grows up and receives wisdom from Mufasa from beyond the grave, Simba reluctantly returns to confront Scar and take his place as the rightful king.