Disney's The Lion King became an instant classic upon its 1994 release and largely part due to Hans Zimmer's unforgettable music.

But did you know that the acclaimed composer nearly passed on the opportunity? Zimmer recently shared this heartwarming story with Classic FM.

Disney's The Lion King released in 1994, quickly became a beloved classic and in large part to Hans Zimmer. However, what many fans may not know is that Zimmer almost passed on the opportunity to work on the film. In a interview with Classic FM, the legendary composer shared the touching story behind his decision to take on the project.

One of Zimmer's most celebrated works is for "The Lion King," which earned him his first Academy Award and numerous other achievements. Yet, despite the film's massive success, Zimmer revealed that he initially had reservations about accepting the project. "I wasn't keen on doing 'The Lion King,'" Zimmer admitted during the interview. "I only agreed because my daughter Zoë was six years old at the time, and like any good father, I wanted to impress her and take her to a premiere. I thought, 'I can't exactly take her to a Ridley Scott bloodbath,' so I figured a cartoon would be a better choice. Zoë was my reason for taking on the movie."

Hans Zimmer's journey into film music is as remarkable as his body of work. Born on September 12, 1957, in Frankfurt, Germany, Zimmer developed an early interest in music, teaching himself to play piano and later experimenting with synthesizers. His unique blend of electronic and traditional orchestral sound design became his true signature, setting him apart in the industry. Zimmer's first major breakthrough came with the 1988 film "Rain Man," which earned him widespread recognition and his first Academy Award nomination. This success paved the way for a remarkable career, with Zimmer composing for many of the top films of our time, including "Gladiator," "The Dark Knight" trilogy, "Interstellar," and "Dune."

Today, Hans Zimmer is celebrated as one of the most influential and globally recognized composers in the world, with a career that continues to push the boundaries of film music.