25 years after the world fell in love with Simba and his merry band, one of the most highly anticipated Disney movies of the year, The Lion King, premiered in Los Angeles, US, on Tuesday.
Based on shots taken in the Kenyan savannah, the movie relies heavily on Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), the same tools that brought classics such as the dragons and direwolves from Game of Thrones to life.
The star-studded remake of one of Disney's most enchanting movies included the likes of Beyonce and James Earl Jones (who reprised his role as Mufasa).
Other cast members are, Donald Glover (Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), John Oliver (Zazu), Billy Eichner (Timon) , Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Young Nala), JD McCrary (Young Simnba), Florence Kasumba (Shenzi), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari) and Eric André (Azizi).
Disney stated that they felt it necessary to re-introduce the classic tale to a new audience.
PR representative of Asilia Africa, Shariffah Ingosi, disclosed to The Standard that the film would debut in Kenyan theatres early next month.
Shariffah was part of the production team that shot some of the Kenyan scenes and was beaming with pride at the achievement.
“It’s exciting to know The Lion King takes place in Kenya and that Asilia Africa made it happen,” Ingosi remarked.
The movie, which tagged at the heartstrings of an entire generation, is based on the story of the journey of a young cub called Simba, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, with the help of a few funny and crazy friends (Timon and Pumba).
The live-action remake's official Twitter account tweeted a cast photo Monday.
