Disney bosses have confirmed that Jon Favreau will direct a live-action remake of The Lion King.
Following the success of The Jungle Book remake, which Jon directed and co-produced, after it took in just under $1 billion at the box office – The Lion King is set for a live-action reboot.
Announcing the news, a Disney spokesman said, “We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of The Lion King on the fast track to production.”
Jon previously teased the news on his Twitter account:
Excited for my next project ??
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) September 28, 2016
It’s also been confirmed that the remake WILL feature songs from the 1994 animation – which resulted in Hans Zimmer and Elton John picking up Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
The Lion King remake is yet to receive a release date.
Meanwhile, the news seems to have gone down well with some – however, some people are REALLY not happy with the news..
The Good:
I think with the new versions of Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Pete’s Dragon, Disney has earned the benefit of the doubt with Lion King.
— Chris Stuckmann (@Chris_Stuckmann) September 29, 2016
I personally feel the new Jungle Book surpassed the original. @Jon_Favreau is the perfect director for a new Lion King. pic.twitter.com/ES2NBnyJ1v
— Chris Stuckmann (@Chris_Stuckmann) September 29, 2016
The Bad:
When you hear about the news of a #LionKing remake pic.twitter.com/okx2ZdwrGb
— Cat O Broin (@magicgoeshere) September 28, 2016
Not too sure about #TheLionKing movie project. The Lion King is just the one thing which shouldn’t be touched. It’s perfect as it is.
— Fanny-Wan Kenobi (@FannyWanKenobi) September 28, 2016
? No no no, please don’t remake Lion King, I can’t go through this again!! ? #LionKing pic.twitter.com/CSWKHwtxO3
— GrumpyandGeeky (@grumpyandgeeky) September 28, 2016
When I find out they are remaking the lion king movie pic.twitter.com/jmZJIhjZuo
— 9GAG (@9GagOriginals) September 29, 2016
@KMBZradio on a lighter note. What are your thoughts on @Disney remaking the Lion King? I’m not thrilled but I will still watch it.
— COG_TOMMEH (@CHIEFTOMMEH) September 29, 2016