When Disney released Tarzan in 1999, the animated film swung its way into audiences’ hearts with Phil Collins’ unforgettable soundtrack and a heartfelt story about family, identity, and belonging. Riding on the film’s success, Disney’s The Legend of Tarzan animated series debuted in 2001, offering fans a chance to dive deeper into the jungle and see what life was like for Tarzan, Jane, and their friends after the events of the movie.
Expanding the Story Beyond the Movie
Rather than rehashing the film, the series picks up where the story left off. Tarzan and Jane are fully embracing their life together in the jungle, navigating cultural clashes and new challenges. The show adds a steady stream of adventures involving mysterious tribes, lost civilizations, magical artifacts, and, of course, plenty of villains who underestimate Tarzan’s wit and strength.
This episodic format gave the series room to explore themes the movie only hinted at, like the ongoing clash between nature and human ambition, as well as Jane’s adjustment to her new life far from London society.
Familiar Faces and New Adventures
Tarzan isn’t alone in these adventures. Jane plays a bigger role as his equal partner, bringing her intelligence, humor, and bravery to every challenge. Professor Porter adds comic relief while offering insight into human curiosity and its consequences. The show also introduces new allies and antagonists, giving the jungle a sense of depth and variety.
What fans loved most, however, was how the show kept the heart of the original intact: Tarzan’s bond with animals, his fierce loyalty to those he loves, and his struggle to balance the wild world he calls home with the human ties he’s embraced.
Animation and Style
While the series naturally doesn’t match the breath-taking quality of the feature film, its animation is solid for early 2000s television. The lush jungles, animal companions, and action sequences keep the energy high, and the designs stay faithful to Disney’s original aesthetic. The voice cast, featuring Michael T. Weiss as Tarzan and Olivia d’Abo as Jane, captures the spirit of the characters while making them feel fresh for ongoing stories.
Themes That Still Resonate
At its core, The Legend of Tarzan isn’t just about jungle battles or treasure hunts; it’s about identity, harmony with nature, and what it means to bridge two worlds. The show often highlights the importance of protecting the environment, respecting different cultures, and finding family beyond bloodlines.
These themes make it more than just a simple continuation—it’s a thoughtful, if sometimes overlooked, addition to the Disney TV line-up.
Final Thoughts
Though it never reached the iconic status of the movie, The Legend of Tarzan deserves recognition as a fun and heartfelt continuation of a beloved story. It may not boast Phil Collins’ soaring soundtrack, but it offers fans the chance to live in Tarzan’s world a little longer, with meaningful lessons woven between thrilling adventures.
For fans of Disney’s late ’90s and early 2000s TV spinoffs, this jungle journey is well worth revisiting.
Where to find: IMDB
About the Author
