The Lion King Movie Reactions Are In [Update]
The Lion King returns.
Disney's new Lion King opens in theatres on July 19 in the United States, but one of the first screenings was tonight in Hollywood. Some of the people in attendance have shared their thoughts, and the reactions are overwhelmingly positive. [Update: Full reviews are now in, offering a better idea of what to expect from the live-action remake. For our thoughts, check out our Lion King review.]
GameSpot's own Chris Hayner says Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) steal the show. Despite some missteps, it's overall a "really fun flick," Hayner said. You can see a rundown of Twitter reactions to The Lion King below, while we'll have more on the movie coming up soon.
Donald Glover voices Simba, while James Earl Jones returns to play Mufasa. Chiwetel Ejiofor voices the evil lion Scar, while John Oliver portrays the overbearing bird Zazu. Beyonce voices Nala, and she released a brand-new single from the movie called "Spirit" today. Listen here.
The Lion King is directed by Jon Favreau. It is called a "live-action" movie because it was filmed using live-action production techniques, even though the movie actually depicts its characters through (eerily lifelike) computer-generated images.
The Lion King First Reactions
I just got out of #TheLionKing and really dug it. My fear was realistic animals wouldn’t have the charisma of the cartoon, but they’re very good. Timon and Pumba steal the show. Some of the song/choreo arrangements don’t work as well as the original but still a really fun flick. pic.twitter.com/mOrODQ0vHI
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is a breathtaking visual cinematic achievement. I can’t believe this is a CG animated movie. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. It’s a good Disney remake but was it necessary? Maybe not, but it’s enjoyable and families are gonna love it.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) July 10, 2019
Been lucky to have attended a number of world premieres but not sure I've ever heard as much clapping during a movie as I did tonight at #TheLionKing . Was like being at a rock concert. Movie is going to make so much money. pic.twitter.com/rnU4qf92mt
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 10, 2019
Just walked out of #TheLionKing. Overriding reaction: SIMBA IS SO CUTE. But really, if you’re hoping this will be a near-exact adaptation of the animated movie with some absolutely jaw-dropping visual effects, you’ll get what you’re looking for. pic.twitter.com/14BydbdhCx
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing has always been my favorite Disney animated movie and this new rendition is a beautiful reminder why. Happy to welcome back familiar chills, emotions and tears. In awe of the visual wizards behind this one. Timon & Pumbaa are everything. pic.twitter.com/IcWHgjHCuF
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) July 10, 2019
.@disneylionking premiere. Memorable! pic.twitter.com/qmpndqAjzs
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) July 10, 2019
So #TheLionKing was the first movie I ever saw in theaters and this reimagining hit all the same notes. LOVED IT. Idk if it was Beyonce, Donald, the animation, Jon Fav... no it was probably Beyonce.
— Trey Williams (@Trey3Williams) July 10, 2019
Holy smokes, I really loved THE LION KING. I think (I think) it’s the most beautiful effects movie I’ve seen. Like next level, the game has changed kind of thing. (For the record I’m agnostic on the original movie and have zero nostalgia for it. Anyway, this movie hooked me.)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) July 10, 2019
Oh man #TheLionKing delivers. It’s a visual masterpiece that will leave you smiling and crying the whole time. It’s a true testament to the lasting effect Disney movies have on all generations. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. And BEYONCE!!! #LionKing
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) July 10, 2019
The Lion King is a wonderful adaptation of an iconic classic. It has a few small changes which enhance what was already great and everything else is right on point. The CG can be slightly distracting at times but the emotion quickly covers that. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/9QmsP3PmNh
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is exactly as advertised: a beat-for-beat remake of the original. Impressive animation and some ace casting choices (Beyoncé is a spirited Nala, John Oliver is an ideal Zazu) plus that music is still ?? - but it’s more nostalgic rehash than fresh reimagining
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) July 10, 2019
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