We had a chance to attend the press conference for Disney’s The Lion King (In theaters on July 18, 2019) in Los Angeles. The magical event included most of the cast and crew that included Donald Glover (voice of “Simba”), Seth Rogen (voice of “Pumbaa”), Billy Eichner (voice of “Timon”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (voice of “Scar”), Alfre Woodard (voice of “Sarabi”), Keegan-Michael Key (voice of “Kamari”), Florence Kasumba (voice of “Shenzi”), Eric Andre (voice of “Azizi”), John Kani (voice of “Rafiki”), JD McCrary (voice of “Young Simba”), Shahadi Wright Joseph (voice of “Young Nala”), Director Jon Favreau, Composer Hans Zimmer, and Lebo M (African Music Consultant / Performer).
Here are a few highlights from the conference:
Director Jon Favreau was actually working on both The Jungle Book and The Lion King simultaneously for about six years. By the time he finished The Jungle Book Favreau felt that he had “finally” learned the technology. He also credited his team for creating the animation from scratch. A huge amount of artists and people helped bring the photo realistic effects for the film. Favreau was also extremely happy that Lebo M and Hans Zimmer would return from the original calling. It is a big leap of faith for them and the crew.
Despite The Lion King being Donald Glover’s son favorite movie, he didn’t know his dad was going to be in the film. After finding out, he was more excited about the casting of Beyoncé then by his dad’s casting.
After the press conference, it was amazing to learn that Disney had partnered up with the Lion Recovery fund during an interview with a few reps. We also learned that the Lion Recovery Fund is global movement. The sad news is that in the past 25 years (About the same time of the release of the first Lion King), we have lost almost roughly half the lion population on earth.
You can watch our interview with the Lion Recovery Fund plus catch a glimpse of some cool Lion King merchandise and props that were on display.
Movie plot:
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
Check out these great images from the press conference below:
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