Disney unveiled a first look at “Mufasa: The Lion King,” the new film coming to theatres Dec. 20, 2024 that explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. The new trailer, poster and images are now available to download and share. Announced this morning is an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favourite characters to life—plus, celebrated award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the film’s songs produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.

Said Miranda, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years. ‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theatres.”

“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

New and returning cast members were called on to lend their voices to the film:

Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
Preston Nyman as Zazu
Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi
Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
John Kani as Rafiki
Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
Billy Eichner as Timon
Donald Glover as Simba
Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
And Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala

Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.

Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.

The Red Carpet was rolled-out in Toronto tonight for this Summer’s most-awaited cinematic event, the arrival of Disney’s THE LION KING. An enthusiastic and diverse crowd celebrated the event at Scotiabank Theatre, one night before it’s release including the likes of Jaleel White, Meg Donnelly, Nia Holloway, Jared Dixon, Simu Liu, Scott McGillivray, Kardinal Offishall, Damon Allen and more!

This Remake of the 1994 Animated Classic is directed by Jon Favreau, and while it remains very faithful to the original, you will be wowed by the advancements visually this story is treated with. Its jaw-dropping realism is sure to please fans of the Film’s predecessor. The Film centers on Simba (Donald Glover) who is the chosen successor to the throne to his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He must contend however with the betrayal of his uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) which leads him to a life of guilt and exile. Will Simba claim back what rightfully is his?

Disney’s The Lion King also showcases some fantastic performances by the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Billy Eichner (Timon) and Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) which won’t soon be forgotten. And how can we forget how adorable little Simba is!

See this latest Featurette on the Film here to whet your appetites:

Some Snaps from tonight’s lively Red Carpet Premiere which saw a performance by Powerhouse Fellowship Soul, face-painting and installations to keep Instagram followers in envy like Scar!

Check-out our chat with Billy Eichner who plays Timon here.

Walt Disney Studios Canada release Disney’s THE LION KING Thursday, July 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The legacy of The Lion King is unparalleled. The 1994 Animated Musical not only went on to win universal acclaim, but also outstanding commercial success, grossing almost $1 billion internationally, spawning various stage productions of it. The torch is handed off to multi-talented Jon Favreau to tell this story theatrically to a new generation of fans. Expectations are high for this upcoming Remake, which utilizes cutting-edge realism and an all-star Cast which has just about everybody circling their calendars in preparation for its July release.

The Cain and Abel-like story centers on a lion named Simba (Donald Glover) who is destined for greatness as Crown Prince of the Pridelands, in line to succeed his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He is derailed into exhile by his father’s ambitious brother Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and it is up to Simba to reclaim what rightfully is his.

The starpower is staggering as the Supporting Cast is rounded-out by Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Beyoncé.

Daytime Emmy winner Billy Eichner, known widely for his energetic and spontaneous brand of humour on Game Show Billy on the Street, plays wisecracking meerkat Timon, paired with slow-thinking warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). The Funnyman is in Toronto to promote the release of what many are calling the cinematic event of the Summer and we are delighted to speak to him.

Eichner describes himself to us as mix of Theatre and Comedy worlds and he admits he likes this space. He also feels he is in a unique position being of an old school Theatre background, but also speaking to the new school in this Social Media age. In this upcoming Remake, he sings beloved Hakuna Matata and even jokes that he’s on a Track with Beyoncé as Timon sings a snippet of the Film’s centerpiece number, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

We ask Eichner to tell us about the casting process and his reaction to being cast as Timon.

Eichner: “It was pretty shocking. I literally got a cold call from my agent that Jon Favreau wanted me to be in The Lion King. I had no preparation for it. I didn’t audition for it. I don’t think he auditioned anyone for it actually, maybe the kids?” . He adds, “I knew Jon and I knew he was a big Billy on the Street fan, but I’ve never worked with him before and literally I was shocked.” .

At the time our conversation, we still had not seen this latest incarnation of The Lion King. Curious, we ask Eichner how different it is from its Predecessor.

Eichner: “It’s completely different. Because of this, our vocal performances have to match the photo-realism of the Movie. They’re using some state-of-the-art technology, Virtual Reality and things I don’t comprehend. They put a helmet on me at some point and I was like, ‘I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just here to try to be funny’.” .

“The Movie just looks incredible. It looks so real and it is really breathtaking.” . While he realizes he really doesn’t have to do much to sell The Lion King to us since it is so well-loved, he reveals, “It’s such a nice escape from the real world and the daily onslaught of everything.” .

Eichner is known for his energetic and fast-thinking on Billy on the Street, where often he brings a notable name onto the street, giving New Yorkers a real shock and delight. We ask how different it is for him working in a controlled framework and a Script.

Eichner: “I’ve done scripted things before like American Horror Story. I would improvise and they would be like ‘What are you doing?’. But in The Lion King, the way that Jon wanted to do it, he encouraged us to riff and improvise. And a lot of our Improv remained in the final cut of the Movie. And I was surprised, I thought maybe we were just doing it as an exercise. It really gives this version of Timon and Pumbaa a really unique feel. Me and Seth Rogen aren’t going to sound like the original characters (voiced respectively by Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella), so I’m guessing there was a lot of spontaneity and Improv involved and I’m guessing that’s what Jon Favreau really wanted since he cast me and he knew that’s my background.” .

Walt Disney Studios Canada release THE LION KING Thursday, July 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Walt Disney Studios Canada)

Just 100 more days till the biggest movie event of the Summer!

Synopsis:
Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau (“The Jungle Book”), journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

Staying true to the classic story, director Jon Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.

 
A new Still:

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE LION KING Friday, July 12, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Canadians this Victoria Day weekend will be called upon to show-off their best Chewbacca impression! An interactive experience runs May 19-21, 2018 at the following locations:

SCOTIABANK THEATRE TORONTO
2:00pm – 10:00pm
259 Richmond St W
Filming Saturday from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

SCOTIABANK THEATRE VANCOUVER
2:00pm – 10:00pm
900 Burrard St
Filming Saturday from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

SCOTIABANK THEATRE MONTREAL
2:00pm – 10:00pm
977 Saint-Catherine St W
Filming Saturday from 4:30pm – 6:30pm

MARKET MALL CALGARY
Across from the Disney Store
9:30am – 8:00pm
3625 Shaganappi Trail NW
Filming Saturday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

WEST EDMONTON MALL
Across from the Disney Store
10:00am – 9:00pm
8882 170 St NW, Edmonton
Filming Saturday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

RIDEAU CENTRE OTTAWA
Across from the Disney Store
9:30am – 9:00pm
50 Rideau St, Ottawa
Filming Saturday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Synopsis:
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

See the Teaser:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Friday, May 25, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

In celebration of May the Fourth, a brand-new Clip is now available to watch from SOLO: A Star Wars Story!

Synopsis:
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes

See the new Clip:

Don’t forget, tickets now are on sale everywhere tickets are sold to see SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY! Don’t forget to check out the LIFE VR App to witness like never before the Millennium Falcon! Here for more.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Friday, May 25, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

New Character Posters have just been released to get us pumped for SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY! Check ’em out!

Synopsis:
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo and Paul Bettany.

See the new Character Posters:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Friday, May 25, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Hot off the news that it will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival out-of-competition, SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY has a brand-new Trailer for us to enjoy! Director Ron Howard and the Cast also are confirmed to attend the Festival!

Synopsis:
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

The Film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Friday, May 25, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Premiering during tonight’s Super Bowl was a brand-new look at SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY! Here is our official Trailer!

Synopsis:
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes

See the Trailer:

See a new Poster:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Friday, May 25, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

The 74th annual Golden Globe Awards took place in Hollywood tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association honouring the year’s best in Film and Television. Taking home top honours tonight with seven wins was Musical La La Land directed by Damien Chazelle. Premiering to raves at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September and winning the People’s Choice Award, the Film swept important categories Best Motion Picture Comedy/Musical, Screenplay (Damien Chazelle), Director (Damien Chazelle), Actress (Emma Stone), Actor (Ryan Gosling), Original Score (Justin Hurwitz)  and Original Song (City of Stars).

See the Cast and Director post-victory:

Moonlight which has been a force all Awards Season almost walked away empty-handed, but alas won Best Motion Picture Drama for up-and-coming Director Barry Jenkins.

Tonight’s Best Foreign Motion Picture winner Elle certainly makes the Best Actress Oscars race a bit more interesting with Isabelle Huppert winning in an upset over favoured Natalie Portman.

Manchester by the Sea which long has been considered an Awards Season frontrunner was rewarded Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Casey Affleck).

In the Television categories, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Atlanta and The Crown proved popular. The former won Best Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television and also a win for Sarah Paulson who starred as famed lawyer Marcia Clark. Atlanta, which also is broadcast by FX like The People, won for Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a TV Series Comedy (Donald Glover).  Netflix‘s The Crown won Best Television Series Drama and Best Actress in a Television Series Drama (Claire Foy).

The show was hosted by Funnyman Jimmy Fallon, who despite technical glitches with the Teleprompter after a spirited La La Land-inspired opening number,  managed to overcome adversity to a punchy Donald Trump-targeted speech stating “This is the Golden Globes, one of the few places left where America still honors the popular vote”. He also continued to poke fun referencing this year’s Cecil B. DeMille Award recipient Meryl Streep who starred in Golden Globe-nominated Florence Foster Jenkins, about the world’s worst singer, proclaiming “Even she turned down performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration.”.

Watch the Cold Opening:

Streep was introduced by Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture winner Viola Davis, moving the crowd with some profound statements in her DeMille acceptance speech, encouraging us to “Take our broken hearts and turn them into art.”. She also made a couple pokes at Mixed Martial Arts and President Elect Donald Trump stating, “Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence insights violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others we all lose.”.

Watch the Speech:

Surprises this evening included victories by Aaron Taylor-Johnson for Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Nocturnal Animals, which has been much-overlooked this Awards Season. Also, many were surprised that critical darling Game of Thrones, nearing the end of its run, was overlooked all night in favour of new series, expensively-produced The Crown. Daughter of music icon Diana, Tracee Ellis Ross achieved distinction becoming the first black Actress since Debbie Allen in 1983 to win Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy for Blackish.

Fashion always is a highlight at the Golden Globes and yellow/gold proved popular with actresses Reese Witherspoon, Emily Ratajkowski, Priyanka Chopra and nominees for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture and Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama respectively, Viola Davis and Natalie Portman, donning variations of the colour on the Red Carpet.  Actresses Mandy Moore and Kristen Bell also dropped draws with tasteful cleavage-revealing pieces.

Next up are the Academy Awards, which air Sunday, February 26, 2017 8:30 PM EST on ABC.

Complete list of Golden Globe winners here.

(Photo/video credit: Getty Images)