Scar Tests

1:46 I do not understand the mental capacity it takes to rotate a 2D object like this. This is ridiculously good.

I still cannot believe that last shot is entirely 2D, your talent is unmatched

I love the lip sync on “what would your mother think?” The k in “think” was especially satisfying to watch :]

I love the scene where Scar circles around Simba. It feels so cinematic and all-encompassing!! It blew me away as a child and it still does to this day. It just illustrates so well how guilt and/or someone as toxic as Scar can make you feel trapped. Thank you for sharing!!!

I like how 1:07 has the head wiggle, but afterwards it's removed so the flashy animation doesn't take away from the narrative. The amount of work put to figure out the perfect expression is so cool. Concepting out a whole bunch of movements for a single moment, so inspiring.

That last shot is INSANE! Not only is Scar circling around Simba, but the camera is rotating around them both. And you can FEEL that even without a background being there. Just pencil, paper, and raw talent. But seriously, JB must be an alien from another world!

Doing all this on paper is seriously mind-boggling

God, I miss 2D! Something about seeing the pencil lines just puts me in awe!

The man, the myth, the legend! James Baxter has literally built my childhood

You must have a 3D camera in your head seeing how you managed to make Scar so alive and realized in his shot with adult Simba. Fantastic as always! I may not be an animator but you are someone I really look up to.

What a monumental movie for the animation industry. Thank you for your work, Mr. Baxter.

That last shot with Scar circling Simba is genuinely incredible, I can't wrap my mind around how you're able to animate something that complex.

THE KING OF ANIMATION POSTED LETS GO

That last shot is sooo cool! To be able to animate a character walking in circles while the camera ALSO is turning is so crazy impressive and it’s like eye candy to me omg

Having the camera rotate around a character has always been a amazing feat.

I don't think I wouldn't have gotten into 2D animation if it wasn't for you and your amazing work, James! I would absolutely love to sit down with you and get into a long discussion about animation. You have a lot of wisdom in this craft.

The Horse ... Has Returned! Fun fact: In the scene where Scar said "Kill him", the Hyenas were animated by Ken Boyer, one of the character designers for Tiny Toon Adventures.

Hello James, would it be possible for you to provide us, at some point, with a detailed explanation of the production process for the last scene? We, as animation enthusiasts and passionate professionals, would love to understand how you created this impressive scene. I remember the time when you explained the complex dress on Tumblr and how you conceptualized and animated it. It would be amazing to gain a similar understanding, to comprehend how you applied rotation, perspective, and the various involved processes. If possible, we would also like to know the duration of this work. I was truly impressed by this scene. ✨

Fantastic work as always! I always loved the close-up shot of Scar going “-You, he’d still be alive.” It’s a great portrayal of manipulation.

Did you see characters act, move, and ROTATE? CONGRATULATIONS, you have just seen a genuine James Baxter! (Thank you for sharing these, James. They are wonderful.)