Last night the filmmakers, talent and special guests celebrated Disney’s “The Lion King” in a big Hollywood style movie premiere at the Dolby Theatre. You know, where they host the Oscars. The movie, which opens on July 19, 2019, will revisit the animated feature in a completely new way.
After the premiere Disney also debuted a new clip from the film featuring the iconic “Circle of Life” song:
Early reactions to the film screenings are starting to come in. Most are impressed with the film’s visual effects and how true to the original this new adaption is, nearly a beat for beat recreation. The music continues to receive praise as powerful and emotional and word is Billy Eichner’s Timon and Seth Rogen’s Pumbaa steal the show.
A few photos from the world premiere:
Shahadi Wright Joseph, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, and Blue Ivy Carter attend the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King” at the Dolby Theatre on July 09, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger (L) and Donald Glover attend the World Premiere of Disney’s The Lion King . (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Director/producer Jon Favreau and Donald Glover attend the World Premiere of Disney’s The Lion King (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner attend the World Premiere of Disney’s The Lion King. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
(L-R) Disney animation alumni from the original 1994 animated feature were also invited including: Irene Mecchi (co-screenwriter), Roger Allers (co-screenwriter), Rob Minkoff (director), and Brenda Chapman (head of story) attend the World Premiere of Disney’s The Lion King. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
About the film:
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, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.
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At top: The voice cast and director Jon Favreau on stage:(L-R) Hans Zimmer, Chance The Rapper, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Shahadi Wright Joseph, JD McCrary, Director/Producer Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Kani, Alfre Woodard, Keegan-Michael Key, Florence Kasumba, and Eric Andre attends the World Premiere of Disney’s “THE LION KING” at the Dolby Theatre on July 09, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)