'The Lion King': Release date, cast, plot, trailers and everything you need to know about the live-action retelling of the classic Disney movie
Disney and Jon Favreau are taking the audience on a trip to Pride Rock this summer with the live-action remake of the celebrated animated classic 'The Lion King'. After the success of 'The Jungle Book', it comes as no surprise that the next Favreau venture is sure to leave the world wildly thrilled. With the excitement only set to grow in the days to come, here's what we know about the movie so far:
Release
'The Lion King' is slated to hit theatres on July 19 this year.
Plot
According to Disney, the official synopsis talks about how Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and hopes to follow his father's footsteps. But not everyone is happy with the king. Mufasa's brother, Scar, plots against him and betrays the king resulting in Simba's exile. It is here that Simba meets Timon and Pumba and with their help, he begins a journey to take back what is rightfully his.
Cast
'The Lion King' boasts of an impressive cast. To start with, there's Donald Glover ('Atlanta', 'Community') as Simba, while Chiwetel Ejiofor ('12 Years a Slave', 'Serenity') plays the antagonist, Scar. James Earl Jones returns as Mufasa. A surprise addition to the voiceover cast came with the announcement of Beyoncé joining the jungle gang as Nala.
Director/Writer
Jon Favreau ('Zathura: A Space Adventure', 'Iron Man', 'Iron Man 2') will helm the film while based on 'The Lion King' by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton.
The minute-and-a-half trailer gives viewers a glimpse of the film's main characters including Simba and Rafiki, and James Earl Jones' voice as Mufasa in the background. Much of the scenes are shot-to-shot remakes from the original 1994 film, including the start that shows the same rising sun over the Savannah. The other moment that will bring back some pleasant memories to fans is when little Simba steps forward on the same paw print left by his father. In the original movie, this scene takes place after Simba is rescued by Mufasa from a hyena ambush in the "dark, shadowy place", which he forbade him from visiting.
A second trailer, released recently, trails the journey of Simba further and introduces us to Timon and Pumba as the trio grows together, and the new king rises to take his place in the circle of life.
The latest teaser released June 3 for the photorealistic remake of 'The Lion King' introduces Beyonce as Nala to us. While it doesn't reveal a lot, the 30-second clip shows us how Nala, true to her character, is a driving force in Simba's life. "Simba, you have to take your place as king," she says in the clip. "We need you. Come home."
As comic relief, we also see a glimpse of Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa.
On June 20, the makers released an international TV spot featuring Beyonce and Donald Glover singing 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight'. You can enjoy it here.
Fans cannot wait to get more of 'The Lion King'. Watch this space for more updates.