The creators of The Lion King originally wanted to reunite Cheech and Chong as the hyenas!

The popular Disney film The Lion King features myriad eccentric characters. From the wise baboon Rafiki to the meerkat and wart hog duo of Timon and Pumba. Two of these characters are Scar's sidekicks, the hyenas. While one of the hyenas, Ed, barely speaks, the other two are quite vocal.

The film's creators wanted the comedy duo Cheech and Chong to voice these two hyenas. Richard "Cheech" Marin and Tommy Chong became popular in the 1970s and 80s with their comedy routine that was heavily based on the hippie era.

Cheech agreed to play the hyena Banzai, but Chong wasn't able to do it. So the role was changed to a female Hyena named Shenzi. It went to Whoopi Goldberg.

(Source)