Admit it, you're as hyped for the Lion King remake as the rest of the world. It's hard not to. The stellar cast alone calls you to the box office. Then there's the fact that you're going to see one of your favorite Disney stories brought to life on-screen again. And this time, the storytelling is much more realistic and authentic. Of course, there's the soundtrack as well, headed by the one and only Beyonce Knowles-Carter. With her at the helm, you know it's going to be a musical extravaganza of epic proportions. Disney really knows how to make movies, be it with animation or live-action.
But to contain the excitement a little here's a compilation of what we're most excited to see in this grand re-telling.
The Opening Scene
Just thinking about how that iconic scene will go about in live-action fills us with chills! The music, the scenery, the animals! The grandeur of the ceremony! Rafiki holding up Simba as the heir to the throne. It highlights the importance of the story in the grand scheme of things. That Simba's journey isn't just about his blaming himself for the death of his father. It's his becoming worthy enough to take his place as king of Pride Rock. It's he who's the leader of the animal kingdom, and it's his journey of self-discovery that's the driving force of the whole movie, which starts with this particular scene.
“I Can’t Wait To Be King” Musical Number
Every Disney film has that one big musical number that actually deserves to be on broadway. In the animated version, it's the song, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King!". Now imagine that colorful scene done with realistic CGI animals! Looks great, right? Well, that's what we're hoping to see on this live-action remake. Though the scene probably won't defy the laws of physics as it did in the animation, we're sure that this particular number will look and sound just as magical. And seeing it sung by realistic creatures can put a heavier weight on the lyrics, as though the song is a comical number, it's also a pivotal moment in the film.
Mufasa’s Death
Like a car crash you just can't look away from, Mufasa's death scene will certainly be one of the saddest moments in this film. The animated version alone brought out so many tears, what more when it's depicted by authentic-looking lions? And in today's age of social awareness for the environment, it'll be doubly troubling seeing a lion lie lifeless as its cub sees to it. One of the most pivotal moments in the film, the scene is one of the most heart-wrenching in Disney's Renaissance canon. It perfectly illustrates the weight on Simba's shoulders as the witness to his father's death and the young successor to the Pride Rock throne.
Simba’s Growth
Though it won't be sexy Simba as many slightly disturbed fangirls are going on about on social media, it will be interesting to see how the protagonist transforms from young cub to grown lion. According to the trailer, it looks to be like it's going to still be within the "Hakuna Matata" number and there are no complaints here! That number was fun and lively, and best of all, it showed Simba's growth into a happy lion despite his past troubles as a youth. And who's not going to love Timon and Pumba in this?
Timon and Pumba
Speaking of Timon and Pumba, they're also generating a lot of excitement from fans. The sneak peek of "Hakuna Matata" in the trailer alone got people in all sorts of feels. And why wouldn't they? They're the friends, caretakers, and second fathers of Simba. They prove that family love is a bond that even strangers can share with each other. And most of all, they're oh so adorable! Even as a life-like pair of a meerkat and a warthog, Timon and Pumba still look as cuddly as ever. They even look like they'd make great pets, even though the creatures themselves, are very wild animals.
“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” Scene
A Beyonce and Childish Gambino duet? We're all here for it! "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" was one of Disney's best songs, written by the one and only, Elton John. It even won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. And from a solo piece in the original animated classic, this time it's sung by Simba and Nala. And if that snippet in one of the recent teaser trailers is any indication, it seems to be another hit in the making. That little taste of their rendition sounded so good, that a signed poster of both their signatures isn't enough of memorabilia to capture what would be the greatness of the scene.
Simba and Mufasa’s Reunion
Tell the truth: you cried when Mufasa appeared to Simba from the clouds of heaven. It was one of Disney's most emotional moments in any of their films. Here he was, a fallen figure of a lion needing one last push to gain the strength to claim his rightful place as king of Pride Rock. Who better than his own father, the one he believes he killed, to convince him that despite everything. he's still the true king of the animal kingdom. It was a surprisingly powerful scene from a cartoon then, and most likely, it'll be a more powerful scene when played by realistic CGI lions.
All the Lion Fight Scenes
We're ready for all the biting, the scratching, and the roaring! Apart from the musical numbers and the feline romance, one of the best parts about the 1994 animated classic was the fighting. Those lions and hyenas looked so tough battling it out with their sharpest claws and their loudest roars. Now, get some life-like CGI animals to get into that mix and you'll have cinematic gold! All the emotional weight and the anticipation to build up in those climactic scenes are recipes for theatrical applause. From the moment Simba stands up to Scar to when the latter will be gobbled up by the hyenas, we're all ready for the Animal Discover-realness of this live-action remake!
Are you just as excited for the Lion King’s Remake as we are? Don’t forget to watch it when it premiered globally on July 19, 2019!
