By Peter Martin
After the monster success of Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book in 2016, Disney announced that the director would take the helm of another “reimagining” of an animated classic, The Lion King. A string of casting announcements followed as we eagerly awaited a peek at footage.
Now the first teaser has been released and it looks amazing. It’s a new version of the opening scene of the original animated classic, featuring the voice of James Earl Jones. Here’s everything we know about the movie so far; watch the teaser trailer below.
Will this be live-action, animated, or a combination of the two?
We’ve heard that the movie will combine live-action footage with cutting-edge technology, much like the new version of The Jungle Book.
Is this a straight remake? Or will other story elements be added?
Here’s the official synopsis: “From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king must overcome betrayal and tragedy to assume his rightful place on Pride Rock.”
That sounds similar, of course, to the original film, so we’ll have to wait to see what surprises the filmmakers may have conjured up, story-wise.
Who is in the cast?
Donald Glover and James Earl Jones were the first cast members announced, with Glover set as the lead character, Simba, and Jones reprising his role as Mufasa. Beyonce Knowles-Carter will play the role of Nala, Simba’s longtime friend and companion.
Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner and John Oliver also star. In the original, a pack of three hyenas was led by Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi. Florence Kasumba (Black Panther) will voice that role in the new version.
See the new cast image below.
#TheLionKing. 2019. ???? pic.twitter.com/rSDPkE6nWk
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) November 1, 2017
When can we see it?
Disney will release The Lion King in theaters on July 19, 2019.
Watch the first teaser below.
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Take your place. #TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/CSvlfe6DSc
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) November 22, 2018
