‘Lion King’: Jon Favreau Brings A Disney Classic Back To Live-Action Life

Some movies are perfect and arguably shouldn’t be remade. One can easily make the argument that Disney’s 1994 animated film, “The Lion King,” is a modern classic that’s as close to perfect as one can get. But, Disney has a gravy train going with their live-action remakes, so they’re not about to stop now. The latest in their line of animated adaptations is “The Lion King,” this time remade by director Jon Favreau who has experience in this kind of animated mo-cap/animated work having already directed the very similar “The Jungle Book” live-action remake.

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“It is a director’s dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life,” Favreau said when he first kicked-off production of “The Lion King,” a few years back, and indeed the movie features a stellar cast. The “Liong King” stars Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, John Kani as Rafiki, John Oliver as Zazu, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi. The movie also features Florence Kasumba (NBC’s “Emerald City,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther”) Eric André (Adult Swim’s “The Eric André Show,” FXX’s “Man Seeking Woman”) and Keegan-Michael Key. Here’s the official synopsis:

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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.

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The score is once again written by Hans Zimmer, and the songs are Elton John and Tim Rice; presumably re-doing at least some of the original classics. Directed by Jon Favreau, “The Lion King” is written by Jeff Nathanson and is set for release on July 19, 2019, by Disney. Get the first taste of the movie below.