2019 is perhaps the most stacked year for Disney in their 96-year history. Not only does the studio have Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on their card, the studio will also see the release of live-action versions of The Lion King and Aladdin. Hitting the big screen in 1994, The Lion King still remains one of the most beloved animated films of all time, with a Shakespearean story, great characters and iconic music.
There’s no denying people’s excitement for the live-action remake. However, if there’s one criticism people have thrown at it so far is that the trailers seem to indicate a shot-for-shot remake of the original. And if that really is the case, then one can’t help but wonder what’s the point? But it looks like that couldn’t be further from the truth. According to IndieWire, director of the Lion King live-action remake, Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book) promised fans that his film will not be 100% similar to the original.
“The original holds up incredibly well, so the challenge here was to tell a story in a different way but still deliver on people’s expectations while surprising them somehow.”
Having said that, Jon Favreau teased that his film will still include the iconic shots from the animated original.
The Lion King features the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Beyonce as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, John Oliver as Zazu, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa. James Earl Jones also voiced Mufasa in the animated film.
The Lion King (2019) official synopsis:
From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile.
With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Billy Eichner as Timon and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa.
The Lion King roars into theatres on July 18, 2019.
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