Nick Jonas revealed that the classic Disney film, The Lion King, still made him cry when he watched it with his 4-year-old daughter, Malti. The pop star also shared how revisiting childhood stories with Malti has been a meaningful bonding experience as father and daughter.
Nick Jonas says watching The Lion King always makes him cry
During a panel for Power Ballad at 92NY in New York City on Monday, May 18, 2026, Nick Jonas joined co-star Paul Rudd and director John Carney for an interview with Josh Horowitz. During the discussion, the Jonas Brothers member reflected on films that still make him emotional.
While answering whether any songs or films made him emotional, Jonas singled out The Lion King, one of Disney’s most acclaimed animated films.
“Well, I’ll say there are two scenes in this movie that I’m not in, and they hit me super hard as a father,” Jonas said. He added, “I think there’s a real thing that you’ll see. I want you to think about this powerful stuff, family, that aspect. Then, outside of that, when I cry over a movie, it’s The Lion King.”
“You know, things that I’m getting to watch with my daughter these days and kind of relive some of those experiences, the stories that shaped who I became, and now I’m sharing that with her. It’s a totally special thing to experience,” Nick added. He also said that he “always” cries during movies on planes.
Nick Jonas and his wife, Priyanka Chopra, welcomed their daughter Malti in 2022.
The Lion King, inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, remains one of Disney’s most recognizable animated films. The original movie was released in 1994. It won two Academy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. It also led to a multibillion-dollar franchise. The franchise includes a Broadway adaptation, two direct-to-video follow-ups, two television series, and a photorealistic remake, along with its prequel.
Nick Jonas will next appear in Power Ballad.
