‘The Lion King’ Remake Is Using New Forms Of Filmmaking

It has been almost a month since the release of the record breaking teaser for Disney’s upcoming remake of The Lion King. Questions have swarmed social media such as, is this a shot-for-shot remake? and Is this live-action or animation? Disney Film Chief Sean Bailey recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter to give his take on what the studio is doing on this highly anticipated film. When asked if The Lion King trailer suggests it is a shot-for-shot remake. Bailey responded.

The Lion King is a revered and beloved movie, so you’d better revere and love those parts that the audience wants. But there are things in the movie that are going to be new. [And] it is a new form of filmmaking. Historical definitions don’t work. It uses some techniques that would traditionally be called animation, and other techniques that would traditionally be called live action. It is an evolution of the technology Jon used in Jungle Book.

It seem like they will indeed go the route of the Jungle Book by staying true to the animated film, while taking new liberties by adding new characters such as Amy Sedaris’ elephant shrew. The Lion King  journeys to the African savanna where a future king must overcome betrayal and tragedy to assume his rightful place on Pride Rock. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, John Oliver as Zazu, John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Eric Andre as Azizi, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi, Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, JD McCrary as Young Simba and Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala. Hans Zimmer is on board composing the film as he did the 1994 animated classic. Elton John and Tim Rice will also be returning, as they are set to collaborate with Beyoncé on a new song. The Lion King will roar into theaters on July 19, 2019. Source: THR