A new ‘special look’ TV spot for The Lion King dropped during last night’s Oscars ceremony. Over the past few years, Disney has been crafting reimaginations of their classic titles for modern audiences. It’s a strategy that has mostly paid off so far, both critically and financially.
This year will see several classics getting the remake treatment (Aladdin and Dumbo) but The Lion King is perhaps the most precious of the lot, especially to kids who grew up in the 90s. Thankfully, we’re seeing some never-before-seen footage in this new spot which adds to the mystique of the first full-length Lion King trailer.
With the world watching the 91st Academy Awards, Walt Disney Studios took the chance to debut a new television spot for their upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King.
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.
Disney also took to Twitter shortly after the commercial aired to drop a stunning new movie poster.
https://twitter.com/LionKing2019/status/1099861466524643328
The cast of The Lion King includes mostly new voices, with Donald Glover (Simba) Beyonce (Nala), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), John Kani (Rafiki), John Oliver (Zazu), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari), Eric Andre (Azizi) and Florence Kasumba (Shenzi) rounding out the core cast.
Amy Sedaris will also be voicing a new character. Most importantly, James Earl Jones will be reprising his iconic role as Simba’s father, Mufasa. Jones is the only original cast member returning for the remake. But if only one of those original actors was going to make the cut, Jones is clearly the best choice.
