There's a lot of anticipation surrounding Disney's upcoming adaptation of their classic animated film
The Lion King, largely because of the talented cast they've brought to Pride Landes. In a newly posted photo to social media, director Jon Favreau offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at three of the film's stars -
Donald Glover (adult Simba),
Seth Rogan (Pumbaa, the Wartog), and Billy Eichner (Timon, the meerkat).
The photo appears to have been taken in a recording booth and although there's no context for what's being recording, only one major scene from the animated film comes to mind when you think of these three characters.
It's already been confirmed that Favreau's
Lion King adaptation will feature four songs from the original film - the fan-favorite "Hakuna Matata" being one of them. Although he didn't say that's what was being recorded here, it's an exciting enough moment in the project to want to document and share with fans.
The Lion King will follow the "technologically groundbreaking" approach of
The Jungle Book, which Jon Favreau also helmed. It will utilize improved cinematography technology to create photorealistic CGI-aniamted animals.
The synopsis for Favreau's iteration of
The Lion King has not yet been released, but I can't imagine it'll stray too far from Disney's 1994 original version. The synopsis for that film reads:
An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters, and Academy Award(R)-winning music (Best Original Score, 1994; Best Song, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight") set the stage for the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king." But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba's exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata," Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the "Circle of Life."
In the original film, adult Simba was voiced by Matthew Broderick, Pumbaa by Ernie Sabella, and Timon by Nathan Lane. Similarly, Favreau's
Lion King also boasts a star-studded cast that includes Glover, Rogen, and Eichner, as well as Beyonce Knowles-Carter (Nala), James Earl Jones (reprising Mufasa), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), John Oliver (Zazu), and John Kani (Rafiki).
The Lion King roars into theaters July 19, 2019.