Many people have grown up watching classic Disney movies; they have been ingrained into childhoods and have become a staple of American popular culture. The nostalgic feeling of a classic Disney movie is set to be brought back with a remake of the 1994 classic film, The Lion King, which will be released in the summer of 2019. Unlike the original, this version will be a live-action film, entailing more realistic features. This remake includes a star cast of a variety of talented actors including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, and James Earl Jones.

Beyoncé, a fan favorite, will star as Nala, Simba’s love interest. Nala is the queen-to-be of the Pride Lands, and so it is fitting for Beyoncé to play this role as she is worshipped like a royal in American pop music. Although she is a musician, she has acted in numerous movies as well and will broaden her repertoire with this new film. Her music is commonly featured in movies and will be featured in this musical too. Beyoncé’s presence will definitely promote the film due to her popularity, and since she is one of the leads, more viewers, including her dedicated fans, will be clamoring to see her. Lion King tells kids the story of Simba, a young cub, his way of life, and the moral dilemma he is faced with after his father is killed; Beyoncé’s role as Nala will help show her support for Simba. Nala inspires girls to follow their gut and take action. In the story, her young friendship with Simba blossoms into romance, and it is because of her instinct and love that Simba is brought back to the Pride Lands after wandering off.

Sophomore Yazzy Issa noted, “I’m so excited to see the new remake! I think it’s great that the cast is mostly people of color, and Beyoncé is such an amazing role model for young girls.”

It is anticipated that this movie will be well-received since it is a remake of one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. A few years after it stunned the box office, The Lion King hit Broadway in New York to become one of the most popular shows of all time. With many sing-alongs and a great message, this movie is also suitable for a wide range of audiences, adding to its broad appeal. There will be the same great songs in this edition, but with a modern twist. According to Disney, the movie is said to be a new take on The Lion King classic with “pioneering filmmaking techniques.”

Jon Favreau, who also directed The Jungle Book remake, will be directing this live-action movie.  

Favreau stated,“It is a director’s dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life.”

Coming out on July 19, 2019, this remake is sure to be a hit due to its iconic story and well-renowned cast.

Sources: Vanity Fair, CNN, RollingStone, Forbes, USA Today, GoodNet, NY Times

Photo Source: Barne227 via Wikimedia Commons