A new Trailer has surfaced for BLACK IS KING, coming soon to Disney+. Check-out this new Trailer including models Aweng Ade-Chuol and Adut Akech, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Tina Knowles-Lawson, author and Academy Award®-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o, singer Kelly Rowland, Pharrell Williams and JAY-Z, among others.

Synopsis:

The new film based on the music of “The Lion King: The Gift,” will premiere two weeks after the one-year anniversary of the theatrical release of Disney’s global phenomenon, “The Lion King.” The film reimagines the lessons from the 2019 blockbuster for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.

See the Trailer:

BLACK IS KING arrives on Disney+ Friday, July 31, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Check-out this Teaser Video for BLACK IS KING, a Visual Album written, directed and produced by Beyoncé, to be released on the one-year anniversary of the release of Disney’s THE LION KING. The Album reimagines lessons from THE LION KING for today’s children and is based on Music from The Lion King: The Gift, and starring the album’s featured artists and some special guest appearances. “Black Is King” is a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience.

View the Teaser at beyonce.com.

Black is King will premiere globally on Disney+ on July 31, 2020.

We’re thrilled to give our Readers across Canada a chance to win copies of Disney’s THE LION KING on Blu-ray!

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:
• The Journey to “The Lion King” –
o The Music – Go inside the studio with the cast and crew as they work to honor and elevate The Lion King’s beloved music.
o The Magic – Discover how the filmmakers blended the traditional filmmaking techniques with virtual reality technology to create amazing movie magic.
o The Timeless Tale – Filmmakers and cast reflect on the story that has moved generations and share how this Lion King carries a proud legacy forward.
• More to Be Scene – Recording studio and layer-by-layer progressions of some of most iconic moments in “The Lion King.”
o “Circle of Life” – Peel back the layers of effects and go behind the scenes of this iconic musical moment from the film
o “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – See all the effects, talent and fun that went into creating this vibrant version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” for the movie
o “Hakuna Matata” – Join Donald Glover (Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) and Billy Eichner (Timon) in the studio for the making of this memorable scene.
• Music Videos
o “Never Too Late” (lyric video) by Elton John
o “Spirit” performed by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
• Filmmaker Introduction
• Audio Commentary – By Director Jon Favreau.
• Song Selection
o “Circle of Life”
o “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”
o “Be Prepared”
o “Hakuna Matata”
o “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
o “Spirit”
o “Never Too Late”
• Protect the Pride –Director Jon Favreau, the Lion Recovery Fund and conservationists highlight efforts to protect the majestic lions and their home.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs: 4K Ultra HD (4K UHD+Blu-ray+Digital Code),
Multi-screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Code),
DVD, Digital 4K UHD, HD, SD and On-Demand
Feature Run Time: Approximately 118 minutes
Rating: PG in U.S. (bonus material not rated), PG in CE, G in CF
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: UHD Blu-ray = English Dolby Atmos; English 2.0 Descriptive Audio; Spanish, German, Italian and French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD = English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
UHD Digital = English Dolby Atmos (some platforms); English, Spanish and French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital; English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
HD Digital = English, Spanish and French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital; English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
SD Digital = English, Spanish and French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital; English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
Languages/Subtitles: UHD Blu-ray = English SDH, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish and Spanish
Blu-ray = English SDH, French and Spanish
DVD = English SDH, French and Spanish
Digital = English SDH, French and Spanish
Closed Captions: English (DVD and Digital)

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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Disney’s THE LION KING is in stores now.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

© Disney

For a second straight week, ANGEL HAS FALLEN claims top spot at the Box Office. Its take of $13 million from 3,336 theatres this weekend is enough to claim the throne based on few new releases to surface. By end of Labour Day weekend, it will have made $45.9 million for VVS Films/Lionsgate Films.

In second spot is GOOD BOYS with $8.8 million in its third week out for Universal Pictures, a total $58 million grossed.

In third is Disney’s THE LION KING in third with $6.4 million, a total $522.7 million in North America over seven weeks.

READY OR NOT is in sixth with $5.8 million for Fox Searchlight, a total $21.7 million made over two weeks.

Rounding things out is THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 with $4 million for Sony Pictures, a total $35 million over three week.

GOOD BOYS gets a pat on the back with a debut in top spot, taking $20 million from 3,204 theatres. The R-rated Comedy with a trio of child actors including Canada’s Jacob Tremblay, gets 80% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

FAST & FURIOUS PRESENT: HOBBS & SHAW lands in second with $12.5 million, a total $132 million grossed over three weeks for Universal Pictures.

DISNEY’S THE LION KING is in third with $11.7 million with $495.9 million grossed over five weeks domestically.

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 debuts in fourth with $8.7 million from 3,869 theatres for Sony Pictures, tallying $11.4 million since its mid-week opening. It gets 75% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore. Its previous installment opened with $38 million in 2016.

Opening in seventh is 47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED with $6.5 million from 2,853 theatres for Entertainment Studios/VVS Films. It gets 50% on the Tomatometer and a C+ CinemaScore. Its Predecessor opened with $11.2 million in 2017.

Bruce Springsteen-inspired BLINDED BY THE LIGHT opens in eighth with $4.3 million from 2,307 theatres for New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. and gets 90% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE rounds-out the Top Ten with $4 million from 2,404 theatres for Annapurna Pictures/eOne Films, while garnering 45% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW continues its winning tradition, the spin-off taking top of the Box Office with $61 million from 4,253 theatres for Universal Pictures. It gets a passing 61% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore. 2015’s Furious 7 still holds the best opening for the Franchise, with $147 million.

In second this weekend is THE LION KING which in its third week out gets $37.9 million for Disney from 4,802 theatres. It has made $430.5 million thus far domestically.

ONCE UPON A TIME.. IN HOLLYWOOD gives Quentin Tarantino lands in third with $19.3 million, a total $78.1 million over two weeks for Sony Pictures.

THE FAREWELL continues to perform well in limited release, placing seventh with $2.2 million for VVS Films/A24 Films. It has made $6.7 million over four weeks.

ANNABELLE COMES HOME rounds things out with $885k for Warner Bros., a total $71.6 million over six weeks in North America.

For a second straight week, Disney’s THE LION KING takes the throne  at the Box Office, with $78 million. In its second week, it surpasses $353.2 million in earnings, from 4,725 theatres across North America.

In second is Quentin Tarantino‘s ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD with $41 million from 3,659 theatres in its debut, the biggest ever opening for the iconic Filmmaker and Sony Pictures. 2009’s Inglourious Basterds, also starring Brad Pitt like this Film, was his previous best opening with $38 million. The Film gets 86% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME lands in third this weekend with $11.8 million. Its four week run for Sony Pictures is $344 million domestically.

The Horror CRAWL is in fifth with $3.9 million for Paramount Pictures, a total $31.3 million over three weeks.

THE FAREWELL debuts in the Top Ten this weekend, expanding to just 135 theatres for A24/VVS Films with $1.4 million. It has made $3.6 million to date in very limited release. The Dramedy starring Awkwafina is 100% on Rotten Tomatoes still.

It’s a new July opening record for Disney’s The Lion King, which opens on a high note to the tune of  $185 million from 4,725 theatres across North America. The previous record was held by 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with $169.1 million. This incarnation of The Lion King fares well with Audiences, getting an A CinemaScore, but less well with Critics with 55% on the Tomatometer.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME has no choice but to acquiesce in second with $22 million this weekend for Sony Pictures, in its third week. It has grossed $320.5 million thus far in these parts.

Former champ TOY STORY 4 lands in third with $$12.6 million for Disney in its fifth week, totaling $375 million in North America.

CRAWL is in fourth with $6.4 million from 3,170 theatres for Paramount Pictures, week two, a total $23.5 million

MIDSOMMAR is in ninth week three with $1.9 million for A24/Elevation Pictures, a three-week tally of $22.4 million.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.6 million for Universal Pictures, a domestic total of $151.4 million over seven weeks.

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)