The early consensus after the world premiere Tuesday night of Disney’s “The Lion King” remake is that it’s visually staggering, has plenty of heart, and tugs nostalgically on the heartstrings of anyone who saw the 1994 original as a kid.
So hakuna matata, Disney. (If you’ve forgotten the original, that means “no worries.”)
“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,” IGN’s Terri Schwartz tweeted.
“Incredible visuals and voice work. Cried all my makeup off.,” said Nerdist’s Rachel Heine.
“I think (I think) it’s the most beautiful effects movie I’ve seen. Like next level, the game has changed kind of thing,” Uproxx’s Mike Ryan gushed.
Not everyone was in love fully. Mashable’s Angie J. Han loved the effects and the cast, but thought for the most part the film is “more nostalgic rehash than fresh reimagining.”
Directed by Jon Favreau, “The Lion King” stars Donald Glover as Simba, along with Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, John Kani, Alfre Woodard, Florence Kasumba, Eric Andre and Keegan-Michael Key. It hits theaters July 19.
Read on for some more reactions from tonight’s “The Lion King” premiere:
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
#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
So #TheLionKing was the first movie I ever saw in theaters and this reimagining hit all the same notes. LOVED IT. Idk if it was Beyonce, Donald, the animation, Jon Fav… no it was probably Beyonce.
— Trey Williams (@Trey3Williams) July 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/johncampea/status/1148819477804417024
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
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
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
Oh man #TheLionKing delivers. It’s a visual masterpiece that will leave you smiling and crying the whole time. It’s a true testament to the lasting effect Disney movies have on all generations. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. And BEYONCE!!! #LionKing
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is absolutely breathtaking! Every frame of that movie is something to behold. One of the best films of the year. pic.twitter.com/eWm0xDgcGg
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) 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