Shenzi, Banzai and Ed

**Shenzi, Banzai and Ed**, collectively referred to as the **Hyenas**, are the secondary antagonists of Disney's 32nd full-length animated feature film *The Lion King*. They are a deranged pack of hyenas and the representatives of their race who inhabit a secluded piece of the Pride lands, living off leftovers and whatever poor creatures venture into their territory, much like scavengers. They ally themselves with Scar under the promise of more food and better conditions, helping him overthrow Mufasa so he can become the new king.

Shenzi was voiced by Whoopie Goldberg, Banzai was voiced by Cheech Marin and Ed was voiced by Jim Cummings.

## What Makes Them Ensemble Dark Horses?

* They are among the most popular and well known secondary antagonists/henchmen in Disney film history, being almost on par with the main villain, Scar himself, in popularity.
* The voice talents of Whoopie Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings (the former two being known comedians while the latter is a voice acting legend) enhanced their screen presence, making them too entertaining to be hated.
* Though initially they received some criticism from audiences who viewed them as racist caricatures of ethnic minorities due to their role in the story and voice acting (since Shenzi's actress is African-American and Banzai's actor is Mexican), these complaints subsided over the years or were completely ignored outside of the English-speaking community.
* They have a great dynamic among themselves, with Shenzi being the leader and most rational one of the trio, Banzai being the second in command with a few screws loose and Ed acting like a complete basket case and a total loony who is played for laughs.
* General audiences agree that they helped make the film funnier while preventing it from being too dark, as they are a comic relief used mostly around Scar to make his scenes less bleak but also highlight how serious he is in comparison.
* Although they are very funny, they also have some threatening moments that the average Disney henchmen lack, nearly killing Simba and Nala as kids or rebelling against Scar after they get enough of his abuse.
* Their final scene, where they kill Scar after overhearing him turn his back on them and brand them as enemies, is seen as one of the darkest yet most satisfying deaths of a Disney villain, with their quotes before closing and their sheer brutality at eating him leaving a strong impression in the audience while doubling as a Kick the Son of a B\*\*\*h moment.

## External Links

* Shenzi, Banzai and Ed on the Villains Wiki
* Shenzi, Banzai and Ed on the Villainous Benchmark Wiki
* Shenzi, Banzai and Ed on the Disney Wiki

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*The Owl House* Ensemble Dark Horses