Disney’sThe Lion Kingremake is set to hit theaters soon and the studio has released a new look at the cast. The remake is quickly becoming one of the most-talked about movies of the summer and is poised for a box office success upon its debut. Initial tracking estimates have the movie at $150 million for its opening weekend and the pre-sale tickets have been going fast. At this point in time, the movie is second toAvengers: Endgamein terms of pre-sale tickets. Disney has been ramping up the promotional campaign over the past few weeks.
The focus ofThe Lion Kingcast image is onDonald Glover and Beyoncé, since they are the stars. Also included in the photo is Billy Eichner (Timon), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Young Nala), JD McCrary (Young Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), and Florence Kasumba (Shenzi), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), John Oliver (Zazu), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari) and Eric André (Azizi) to the right. Not pictured is James Earl Jones, who is back to reprise his role as Mufasa.
Disney’sThe Lion King,directed by Jon Favreau, 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 forPride Rockis 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. Staying true to the classic story, Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way.
The Lion Kingis set to hold its world premiere tomorrow, July 9th, in Los Angeles, which means the first reactions to the remake should hit social media by the evening. WhileDisneyfans were not into the first bits of promo material, the latest looks have been visually stunning as Jon Favreau and crew push the limits of technology. The initial backlash was over the fact that the trailers made it look likeThe Lion Kingremake was a complete carbon copy of the animated original. Favreau promises this is not the case with the upcoming movie.
The Lion Kingis Disney’s third and final remake of an animated classic this year. Tim Burton’sDumboended its theatrical run with $351 million globally, which isn’t exactly a homerun for the studio.Aladdin, which was directed by Guy Ritchie, has been doing much better and has earned over $900 million to date.The Lion Kinghits theaters on July 19th and will more than likely eclipse the success ofAladdin, if all goes according to plan. You can check out the cast photo below, thanks toWalt Disney Studios.
