The first trailer for Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King just dropped and as Scar once sang, ‘be prepared for sensational news, a shining new era is tiptoeing nearer’.
Next summer to celebrate 25 years since the original animation, Disney will release to world their live-action version of The Lion King.
Can you feel the love tonight? The peace the evening brings? The world, for once, in perfect harmony with all its living things?
Thanks to the teaser I certainly can. You can check it out below:
Everybody look left, everybody look right, everywhere you look Donald Glover is standing in the spotlight taking on the central role of Simba.
He’s gonna be a mighty king so enemies beware, especially you Chiwetel Ejiofor, who will be playing the villainous Scar.
So prepare for the coup of the century as in this classic tale directed by Jon Favreau (Elf, Iron Man, Chef…) a young lion cub is tricked by his wicked uncle into thinking he caused his father’s death, fleeing into exile in despair.
Glover and Ejiofor are supported by an impressive cast including Beyoncé as Nala, Seth Rogen as Pumba and the return of James Earl Jones as the legendary Mufasa.
Although you may believe there’s more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done, Disney have shown this isn’t true as they’ve breathed new life into several animated features in recent years including Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book (which Favreau also directed).
It’s the circle of life after all!
Working on her roar Beyoncé is also going to collaborate with Elton John, who wrote the songs for the original with lyricist Tim Rice, on a new song for the 2019 remake.
Of course the classic tunes will also make an appearance including I Just Can’t Wait To Be King and The Circle Of Life.
When I was a young warthog, a sensitive soul though I seem thick-skinned, Can You Feel The Love Tonight was my favourite and I just can’t wait to shed tears over it again.
Live-action remakes of classic animations is certainly no passing craze at Disney as new versions of Dumbo, Aladdin, Lady and the Tramp and Mulan are set to be released over the next two years.
While Favreau’ Jungle Book adaptation earned Disney nearly a billion dollars, he’s nervous taking on The Lion King which he describes as being a whole different ball game.
In an interview with Polygon, he explained:
The Jungle Book was 50 years ago, but The Lion King was only 20. It came out in the age of video where people were watching it over and over again.
So I have to prioritise that when I’m directing. I have to try and honour what was there. In some ways it’s like bringing a Broadway play back because there are certain expectations.
The Lion King, people really know it and they grew up with it. They have an emotional impact. I think memory is like a compression software; you can’t remember everything so you prioritize what’s important.
But you gotta live up to what they want. There’s an added pressure to these beloved stories, especially these deep-seated ones, because there’s an emotional connection.
Just remember ‘Hakuna Matata’, Favreau, what a wonderful phrase! It’s our problem free philosophy, it means no worries for the rest of your days.
The Lion King is expected to charge its way into cinemas worldwide on July 19, 2019.
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