The continued effort to update and bring “live-action” realism to their classics (e.g., “Dumbo,” “The Jungle Book,” “Beauty and the Beast,”) continues for Disney with The Lion King. It follows the same premise as the 1994 animated feature (as well as “Kimba the White Lion” from which it was lifted) in which a young lion (voiced by Donald Glover) runs away from his pride after the death of his father (voiced by James Earl Jones, reprising his role), allowing his conspiring uncle (voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor) to assume the throne and throw Pride Lands into chaos. The photorealistic computer animation bringing the story to life is an impressive sight, so check it out in the trailer courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
The Lion King employs the voice talents of James Earl Jones, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keegan-Michael Key, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, Beyoncé, Eric André and John Oliver
Official Synopsis:
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 Lion King protects the pride in US and UK theaters on July 19, 2019.
