Although fans will need to wait a few more day before The Lion King arrives into theaters, Disney‘s live-action adaptation made its premiere in Los Angeles tonight. Slated as perhaps the most anticipated live-action offering from the entertainment conglomerate this year, early reviews from critics have started rolling in and they are praising the Jon Favreau-directed adaptation.
Overall critics are happy that the film honors the original while incorporating welcomed updates and astonishing, game changing visual effects. Along with that, the film’s songs, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar have also been praised. The film also stars Donald Glover and Beyoncé as adult Simba and Nala and features a score composed by Hans Zimmer. Read a few of the reviews below.
The Lion King releases on July 18.
Can’t wait until then? watch Donald Glover and Seth Rogen sing "Hakuna Matata" in new The Lion King featurette.
#TheLionKing is visually and audibly astounding! I’ve never seen anything like that on an animation level. It’s so beautiful.
Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner really steal the show. Chiwetel Ejiofor is brilliant as Scar! It is so much fun. Great movie. pic.twitter.com/v62LHFIM7W
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing does a really excellent job of honoring the original movie but also adds touches for this modern version. Those touches are a lot of fun and totally welcome. pic.twitter.com/Aupha1iQOT
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) 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
Lebo M re-slays Circle of Life. Those are the strongest Lion King thoughts I have right now. The rest falls in a muddle of beautiful gowns but the uncanny valley for animals took me out too many times. But it’s the Lion King so it’s always great.
— Constancely Over It (@ConStar24) 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 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
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
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
A few other things on #TheLionKing
The visual effects/animation in the film is INCREDIBLE.
For the first time in maybe my entire life as the movie started I got really emotional. Just hearing the music wrecked me.
While it’s a story you know, it’s soooooo well done. pic.twitter.com/1Vr9pe8vf4— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) 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
Nostalgia hits HARD with #TheLionKing. It’s wonderful to see the story again on the big screen presented in a different way. The cast is amazing and to hear James Earl Jones as Mufasa again put a huge smile on my face. Oh yea, that stampede scene still gets me ? pic.twitter.com/99pZaHNdGY
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) July 10, 2019
Just finished #TheLionKing! I absolutely loved every second of it. The VFX on the animals were incredibly detailed and the music was on another level. This might be my favorite Disney live action adaption this far! pic.twitter.com/1CExxs6kAB
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) 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
#TheLionKing is truly breathtaking!@donaldglover continues his streak of being awesome in everything.@beyonce is a queen. As she always was.
Real talk tho, @Sethrogen & @billyeichner stole every scene.
I’m not exaggerating y’all
EVERY??DAMN??SCENE??!!
They killed it!
— Jacqueline – ROTTEN TOMATOES WROTE A BOOK! (@THATJacqueline) July 10, 2019
Absolutely blown away by #TheLionKing. Incredible visuals and voice work. Cried all my makeup off. Timon and Pumba brought me back from the edge. Would die for baby Simba. pic.twitter.com/YBpncCVowz
— Rachel Heine (@RachelHeine) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is visually immaculate & a game-changer for visual effects. It’s absolutely stunning in every way. The music shines (Glover & Beyoncé take it to another level), the performances are great (Timon, Pumbaa & Scar steal many scenes) & the emotions run HIGH. Truly great pic.twitter.com/lPH9Oo4ybb
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) 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
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