The live-action remakes of classic Disney films have been controversial. Thus far, we have seen remakes of “Alice in Wonderland,” “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Jungle Book,” while upcoming releases include modernized, live-action versions of “Dumbo,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King,” which is one of the most beloved Disney films of all time. While films like “The Jungle Book” have been praised for its spectacularly realistic CGI, fans have been critical of Disney’s decisions to remake classic films (“Aladdin” has been especially controversial). Many see these remakes skeptically and as nothing more than “money grabs” by a company that already seems to own half the world.
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With “The Lion King,” Disney drops all pretense of originality and goes for pure nostalgia and of course, “live-action,” looks just like another form of animation with some motion-capture as well. The teaser trailer appears to be a shot-for-shot remake of the original opening scene and the tagline “Remember” really drives it home. But damn, it looks beautiful.
Even though it unabashedly plays on audience nostalgia, it works way too well. The animation is breathtaking, and the cast is jaw-droppingly talented. Donald Glover as Simba! Beyoncé as Nala! Seth Rogen as Pumbaa! Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar! James Earl Jones to return as Mufasa! The supporting cast that includes Keegan-Michael Key, John Oliver, Eric Andre, and many more. With this much talent, the confident directing of Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “The Jungle Book”), and Disney’s big-budget animation, it is nearly guaranteed that this animated remake is a huge success. Even if it is a shot-for-shot remake, it will be a chance for fans to see a beloved story hit the big screen once again.
By re-releasing classic films with upgraded animation, Disney knows that audiences will flock to theatres. The teaser trailer for “The Lion King” racked up over 10 million views in less than 24 hours. They’ve got us, and they know it.
“The Lion King” will be released in theatres on July 19.