<P> Tim Curry and Malcolm McDowell were originally considered for the role of Scar . However , Curry left the role due to Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York and the role was ultimately won by Jeremy Irons because of his classical theater training ; the directors had deliberately wanted Scar `` to come across as a Shakespearean character . '' Successfully recruiting Irons for the film was considered an unprecedented achievement for the studio because , at the time , it was rare for a dramatic actor of Irons 's caliber to agree to voice an animated character , especially immediately after winning an Academy Award . In fact , the Oscar - winning actor nearly declined because , in fear of jeopardizing his successful career , he was `` ( h ) esitant to jump from a dramatic role to an animated feature . '' Prior to The Lion King , Irons was famous for starring as several villains and antagonists in live - action films `` geared towards adults . '' Although he had starred in a children 's film before , the actor admitted that it did not mirror the success of The Lion King , a film that has since gained notoriety for its cast of well known , award - winning Hollywood actors , which animation historian Jerry Beck referred to in his book The Animated Movie Guide as `` the most impressive list of actors ever to grace an animated film . '' </P>
<P> Tim Curry and Malcolm McDowell were originally considered for the role of Scar . However , Curry left the role due to Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York and the role was ultimately won by Jeremy Irons because of his classical theater training ; the directors had deliberately wanted Scar `` to come across as a Shakespearean character . '' Successfully recruiting Irons for the film was considered an unprecedented achievement for the studio because , at the time , it was rare for a dramatic actor of Irons 's caliber to agree to voice an animated character , especially immediately after winning an Academy Award . In fact , the Oscar - winning actor nearly declined because , in fear of jeopardizing his successful career , he was `` ( h ) esitant to jump from a dramatic role to an animated feature . '' Prior to The Lion King , Irons was famous for starring as several villains and antagonists in live - action films `` geared towards adults . '' Although he had starred in a children 's film before , the actor admitted that it did not mirror the success of The Lion King , a film that has since gained notoriety for its cast of well known , award - winning Hollywood actors , which animation historian Jerry Beck referred to in his book The Animated Movie Guide as `` the most impressive list of actors ever to grace an animated film . '' </P>
who does scar 's voice on the lion king
who does scar 's voice on the lion king
Jeremy Irons
Jeremy Irons