The Lion King (2019 film)
A photorealistic remake of the 1994 animated classic.
The Lion King is a 2019 American musical drama film that is a photorealistically animated remake of the traditionally animated 1994 film. Directed by Jon Favreau, written by Jeff Nathanson, and produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Fairview Entertainment, the film features an ensemble voice cast including Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and James Earl Jones, who reprised his role as Mufasa for the final time. The story follows a young lion prince named Simba, who is exiled after his father's murder and must decide whether to return home to reclaim his kingdom.
- Release date
- July 9, 2019 (premiere in Hollywood, Los Angeles); July 19, 2019 (United States)
- Director
- Jon Favreau
- Production budget
- $250–260 million
- Worldwide box office
- Over $1.6 billion
- Highest-grossing animated film
- From August 2019 to September 2024
- Seventh-highest-grossing film
- At time of release
- Second-highest-grossing film of 2019
- Yes
Lore & Background
Plans for a remake of 1994's The Lion King were confirmed in September 2016 following box office successes for Disney remakes such as The Jungle Book (2016). Favreau was inspired by certain roles of characters in the Broadway adaptation and developed upon elements of the original film's story. Much of the main cast signed on in early 2017, and principal photography began in mid-2017 on a blue screen stage in Los Angeles. The virtual reality tools utilized in The Jungle Book's cinematography were used to a greater degree during the filming of The Lion King. Composers Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and lyricist Tim Rice returned to compose the score alongside Knowles-Carter, who assisted John in the reworking of the soundtrack and wrote a new song for the film, 'Spirit', which she also performed. With a production budget of $250–260 million, the film is one of the most expensive films ever made, as well as one of the most expensive Disney remakes.
Reader's Guide
The Lion King (2019) received mixed reviews from critics, with many criticizing the lack of originality and for being nearly identical to the original. However, it grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide during its theatrical run, and broke several box-office records, including becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time from August 2019 to September 2024, the seventh-highest-grossing film at the time of its release, and the second-highest-grossing film of 2019. The film received nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Original Song categories at the 77th Golden Globe Awards and 25th Critics' Choice Awards. It was also nominated at 73rd British Academy Film Awards and 92nd Academy Awards, both for visual effects. A follow-up, Mufasa: The Lion King, a film which serves as both a prequel and a sequel, was directed by Barry Jenkins and released on December 20, 2024.
Did You Know?
- The film is a photorealistically animated remake of the 1994 traditionally animated film.
- James Earl Jones reprised his voice role as Mufasa for the final time.
- The film's production budget of $250–260 million makes it one of the most expensive films ever made.
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter wrote and performed a new song for the film titled 'Spirit'.
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