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The Lion King First Reactions Are Finally Here And Disney Might Have Another Big Winner


The premiere of The Lion King is still a week away but the first reactions to the highly anticipated remake of the 1994 animated classic are finally here. Not surprisingly, people are loving what Jon Favreau has done in the reboot.

Film critics who were treated to an early screening of the Disney film simply couldn't stop raving about Donald Glover's performance as Simba, the young lion who encounters tragedy as a cub and is forced to go into exile. In addition to that, people are loving Beyonce as Nala, Simba's childhood friend who tries to convince him to take back what is rightfully his.

Critics are also praising Billy Eichner and Seth Rogan, who play Timon and Pumbaa, respectively. To be honest, they might be doing something truly special if they could manage to steal the scene from Beyonce.

Although most of the reviews have been positive, some have also pointed out that The Lion King has certain shortcomings. For instance, one critic pointed out that lions simply can't emote.

The film also stars Chiwetel Eijofor as Scar, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, John Kani as Rafiki, John Oliver as Zazu, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi, Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, and Eric Andre as Azizi. The remake brings back James Earl Jones, who previously voiced Simba's father Mufasa in the animated classic.

The synopsis for The Lion King reads as follows:

"Simba, the son of Mufasa and the Prince of the Pride Lands, hopes to follow in his father's footsteps. Mufasa's brother, Scar, plots to betray Mufasa and take over the Pride Lands, forcing Simba into exile, where he meets Timon and Pumbaa. Simba must fight his past and rebuild himself fully to take what is rightfully his."

The Lion King will hit theaters on July 19.

Related: The Lion King TV Spot Pits Timon And Pumbaa Against The Hyenas

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