The Lion King, which was first released in the United States on June 15th, 1994, is the 32nd classic animated feature film of Walt Disney Company. The protagonist is a lion named Simba. Inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet (also known as Revenge of the Prince), this film has become one of the landmark works of Disney animation. Later, Disney produced two sequels, namely The Lion King 2: The Glory of Simba and The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata. The musical based on the film The Lion King was premiered on Broadway in October 1997 and was well received. Disney also launched the children's picture document of The Lion King. Italy and Japan also have two cartoons called The Lion King.