Shenzi, Banzai and Ed

Shenzi, Banzai and Ed are a trio of hysterical hyenas that are Scar's personal lackeys, and first appeared in The Lion King. Despite being perceived as villains in the film, the trio became some of the film's most popular characters, and are greatly appreciated for their humor; a trend that was continued into Kingdom Hearts II when they appear in the Pride Lands.

Kingdom Hearts II

 * Shenzi

The Lion King (1994)

''A cowardly hyena who hates lions. Shenzi takes the lead when she and her friends are up to mischief. She's always quick to follow the strongest leader.''


 * Banzai

The Lion King (1994)

''A cowardly hyena who hates lions. Banzai likes to complain but doesn't like to work. He's always looking to find an easy meal.''


 * Ed

The Lion King (1994)

''A witless hyena who's not very smart, but loves to laugh. He takes a lot of ribbing from his pals Shenzi and Banzai, but he doesn't seem to care.''

Kingdom Hearts II
In the game, the trio are desperate for food and try and eat Sora, Donald and Goofy. They fail, but then try and eat Timon and Pumbaa. Sora and co. save the two friends by defeating the hyenas in a boss battle.

Later on in the game, the trio of hyenas are fought again for information on the source of Scar's ghost. They know nothing of the ghost, and taunt Simba about it. They are not seen again after that.

The Hyenas
Shenzi is the female of the trio. She appears as the dominant one, seeming to be the most intelligent of the hyenas. She is constantly insulting the two males and resents the bumbling ones, although signs of friendship are shown. Her full name is Shenzi Marie Predatora Veldetta Jackalina Hyena. Her name means "savage", "pagan", "uncouth", or "barbarous". In Kingdom Hearts II, Shenzi is voiced by Tress McNeille.

Banzai is the slyest of the group. Constantly hungry and moaning for food, he scuttles round the place for food. His name means 'skulk' or 'lurk'. In the movie and Kingdom Hearts II, he is voiced by Cheech Marin.

Ed appears as the least intelligent of the group. He is always smiling and laughs uncontrollably at anything. He never speaks at all, except for a minor part where he sings in Scar's Be Prepared. He is always the butt of jokes within the trio. He is voiced by Jim Cummings in the movie and the game.

Trivia

 * Of all the villains in Kingdom Hearts history next to Xemnas (who nearly drained Sora of his entire life force), Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed get the closest to killing Sora once and for all when they first arrive in the Pride Lands and are thus unused to their animal forms. The only reason they don't is because Banzai decides they should go see what Scar wants after he roars, losing their opportunity.