Positivity is afoot in the first wave of reactions to Disney's new take on The Lion King.
The update of the 1994 classic, which features Donald Glover and Seth Rogen among its fittingly overwhelming cast, hit the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Tuesday night for its premiere. And while a review embargo is still in effect, early tweeted reactions from those in attendance paint a flattering picture of Jon Favreau's photorealistic production.
Hype-inducing descriptions like "visually and audibly astounding," "dazzler," "cried all my makeup off," and "landmark" are among the early assessments of the surefire box office darling.Â
Some, however, did offer mild critiques of the effectiveness of some of the musical arrangement decisions and the modern animation style. Still, the general consensus appears to be that the 2019 Lion King is very good indeed:
While the rest of us won't get a glimpse at Lion King until its theatrical drop on July 19, Donald Glover was kind enough to offer up some more insight on the creative process therein during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week. In true method-acting fashion, Glover conducted said interview while wearing a presumably comfortable onesie fashioned after a lion.
Experts recommend wearing something similar when watching The Lion King at a theater near you later this month. Glover and Rogen are joined in the voice cast by Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, James Earl Jones, Eric Andre, and more. A Beyoncé-curated The Lion King: The Gift companion album will also be released July 19.
Below, hear the included single "Spirit."
