Disney’s The Lion King (2019) may be a near reflection of the animated original, but director Jon Favreau’s use of groundbreaking and innovative Photo Real technology allows audiences to experience a familiar story in a whole new way. But not only did Favreau use these sets of tools for the reimagining, but he also brought in a cast that would help carry the film. Comprised of mostly black actors, this new take on The Lion King is a celebration of African culture and an opportunity for young black children to feel that they matter.

Geeks Of Doom joined their fellow journalists at the global press conference of The Lion King where Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Keegan-Michael Key, Florence Kasumba, Eric Andre, John Kani, JD McCrary, and Shahadi Wright Joseph shared their own experience making the film, being able to improv and riff, the legacy of the animated original, identity, and so much more. Check out what they had to say here below.

The Lion King
Director: Jon Favreau
Writer: Jeff Nathanson
Cast: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, James Earl Jones
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Rated PG | Minutes: 118
Release Date: July 19, 2019

When it comes to Disney animated films, The Lion King is considered to be one of the studio’s shining crown jewels. Released 25 years ago, the film raised the bar on animation and storytelling so high that it made it nearly impossible for any other animated feature from other studios to come close to its quality and standards. As such, there is no denying the film’s place within the Disney animation pantheon.

We then flash forward to 2019, when director Jon Favreau took the lessons that he learned from making the live-action The Jungle Book, and used tools and techniques to tell a beloved story in a new way that is visually bold and striking. Backed by a terrific voice cast including Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles, Billy Eichner, and Seth Rogen, The Lion King roars with astounding pride. But as great as it is and how respectful it is to honor the original, this reimagining’s major issue is that it takes too little risk to separate itself from its animated counterpart. This new take matches the story almost beat for beat. However, the new cast gives it a refreshing spin, and the visuals help audiences see the film from a completely new perspective. My full review below.

Another has been added to the cast of Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King, with Luke Cage star Alfre Woodard signing on.

Woodard will be voicing the mother of Simba and mate of Mufasa, Sarabi. The character was voiced in the original animated movie by the late Madge Sinclair.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Director: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
Screenwriter: Jeff Nathanson
Cast: Johnny Depp, Kevin McNally, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Rated PG-13 | 129 Minutes
Release Date: May 26, 2017

While it may be based on a theme park ride, there’s no denying that Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise is the very definition of popcorn summer movie fun. Pure escapism. Though the last entry, On Stranger Tides, tried to do something different to reinvigorate the series, the film was a minor misstep. But now comes the next adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

With a pair of new directors in Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (Kon-Tiki), and a new screenwriter in Jeff Nathanson, the franchise sails back to its roots and what makes these films so wonderful. Big on excitement, plenty of great characters, and lots of fun. The only problem is that there isn’t enough rum to go around. Check out the full review below.

Just moments after Disney announced the release date for director Jon Favreau‘s The Lion King, the studio also announced the two actors who will provide the voices of Timon and Pumbaa, the meerkat and warthog duo that help Simba learn about Hakuna Matata.

According to new reports, Billy on the Street host Billy Eichner and This Is The End‘s Seth Rogen will now voice the two. They will be joining the previously announced Donald Glover, who voices Simba, and James Earl Jones, who once again voices Mufasa. Beyonce Knowles is in talks to voice Nala. More on the story below.