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)

Easily one of 2019’s most anticipated Films, we get a sneak peek at the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for THE LION KING!

Synopsis:
Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, 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. The all-star cast includes 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. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theatres on July 18, 2019.

Track list as follows:

1. “Circle of Life”/“Nants’ Ingonyama” – Performed by Lindiwe Mkhize; African vocals performed by Lebo M; written and composed by Elton John and Tim Rice; “Nants’ Ingonyama” written by Lebohang Morake and Hans Zimmer; produced by Hans Zimmer; vocals produced by Stephen Lipson
2. “Life’s Not Fair” – Hans Zimmer
3. “Rafiki’s Fireflies” – Hans Zimmer
4. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – Performed by JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph and John Oliver; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
5. “Elephant Graveyard” – Hans Zimmer
6. “Be Prepared” (2019 Version) – Performed by Chiwetel Ejiofor; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Hans Zimmer and David Fleming
7. “Stampede” – Hans Zimmer
8. “Scar Takes the Throne” – Hans Zimmer
9. “Hakuna Matata” – Performed by Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, JD McCrary and Donald Glover; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
10. “Simba is Alive!” – Hans Zimmer
11. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – Performed by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss and Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams
12. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Performed by Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
13. “Reflections of Mufasa” – Hans Zimmer
14. TBA
15. “Battle for Pride Rock” – Hans Zimmer
16. “Remember” – Hans Zimmer
17. “Never Too Late” – Performed by Elton John; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Greg Kurstin; additional production by Elton John and Matt Still
18. “He Lives in You” – Performed by Lebo M; written by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebohang Morake; produced by Lebo M and Mark Mancina
19. “Mbube” – Performed by Lebo M; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams

Walt Disney Records release THE LION KING Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally July 11th and physically on Friday, July 19, 2019. Available for pre-order now wherever music is sold.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Records)

Check-out this new Sneak Peek of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala in Disney‘s THE LION KING which just surfaced today!

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, Disney’s “The Lion King” opens in U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019.

See the Sneak Peek:

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

We’re here for those THE LION KING updates! Check-out these brand-new character posters from this Summer’s most-awaited Movie!

Synopsis:
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, Disney’s “The Lion King” opens in theatres on July 18, 2019.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE LION KING Friday, July 18, 2019.

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

Finally! We get a first look at THE LION KING in this new Teaser along with a new Poster!

THE LION KING stars Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Keegan-Michael Key, Billy Eichner, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Beyoncé.

See the Teaser:

See the Poster:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE LION KING Friday, July 19, 2019.

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