Disney fans will soon jam to the beat of “Hakuna Matata” with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa all over again.
The entertainment company is all set to create a live-action remake of its 1994 classic, “The Lion King” as it announced Wednesday it is once again collaborating with Jon Favreau, the brilliant filmmaker who brought a live-action film of “The Jungle Book” to theaters this year.
“The Lion King builds on Disney’s success of reimagining its classics for a contemporary audience with films like Maleficent, Cinderella and The Jungle Book,” Disney wrote on its website.
BACKSTORY: Lion King best-selling production of all time
Also, The Lion King will revive its tracks from the animated film, including “Hakuna Matata,” “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and the film’s theme song, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?”, which scored “Best Original Song” at the 1995 Academy Awards. All of these songs were penned by Sir Elton John, Sir Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer.
On Wednesday, Favreau posted a teaser for his next project on Twitter and Instagram.
https://twitter.com/Jon_Favreau/status/781118520318828550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Aside from a much-awaited remake of Lion King, Disney and Favreau are teaming up for a sequel to “The Jungle Book.” On the other hand, a live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” is being developed, starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.
https://twitter.com/Jon_Favreau/status/781118520318828550
https://twitter.com/Jon_Favreau/status/781118520318828550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The Lion King is the top-grossing animated movie of all time with $968.8 million (P46 billion) in global revenues, including $422.8 million (P20.3 billion) made in the US. The film’s soundtrack has sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and its theatrical revival won six Tony awards.
The plot tackles the life of Simba, an orphaned lion who lived in exile after his father, King Mufasa, was murdered by Simba’s Uncle Scar. Upon growing up, Simba returns to his father’s kingdom at the Pride Lands, ceases Scar’s atrocious reign, and reclaims his throne.
Favreau and Disney have not planned the film’s release date, and casting is yet to be announced. Gianna Francesca Catolico