Oh, I just can’t waiiiiiiiiit to see this movie!
It was recently announced that Donald Glover (who goes under the stage name Childish Gambino) and James Earl Jones will be starring in the live action adaptation of The Lion King. Glover will play the young king Simba, while Jones will reprise his role as Simba’s father Mufasa.
The news was confirmed by director Jon Favreau, in a series of tweets.
I just can’t wait to be king. #Simba pic.twitter.com/wUYKixMBJI
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 18, 2017
Looking forward to working with this legend. #Mufasa pic.twitter.com/1LszbWrcYT
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 18, 2017
The Lion King is inspired by William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and follows a kingdom of lions in Africa. It tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who is supposed to succeed his father Mufasa as king. When his uncle Scar kills Mufasa, the cub thinks he is responsible and flees. Scar becomes king until Simba grows up and challenges Scar to end his rule and take his rightful place.
The film was released in 1994 to critical acclaim. It was the the highest-grossing release of the year and the second highest-grossing film of all time. It went on to win two Academy Awards for Best Original Score by Hans Zimmer and Best Original Song with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John and Tim Rice. It also won two Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Original Score.
Three years later, a Broadway musical premiered, winning six Tony awards. It has given more than 6,700 performances, becoming Broadway’s third longest-running show in history and the highest grossing Broadway production of all time, having grossed more than $1 billion.
The Lion King is the latest live-action reboot, following the success of Maleficent, Cinderella, Snow White, the upcoming Beauty and the Beast, and The Jungle Book, which Favreau also directed.
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