'The Lion King' Remake: How It Is Different from the Original Movie

It is true that the story does not change in The Lion King remake. The original 88-minute movie was released on June 15, 1994. It was an animated musical film with a $45 million budget to produce.

The remake was done with photorealistic computer-generated imagery (CGI) with a budget of $265 million. A few shots were in Kenya, but the rest was made to look like they were outdoor shots, but they were done on a stage in Playa Vista, California, according to the director of photography, Caleb Deschanel.

Deschanel explained that in order to get the desired results, it required the top-of-the-line equipment with a mixture of traditional live-action filmmaking, state-of-the-art virtual reality tools, the highest level of computer-generated animation as well as a lot of creativity and imagination.

The Lion King remake is receiving positive comments from critics because of its classy story, visual effects, musical performances, and new voices. The 118-minute remake has received criticisms for its facial animations and lack of originality. However, that is not stopping first-time viewers from flocking to theaters to see the film. It will not keep previous viewers from seeing the movie again because of its classic and nostalgic appeal.

The newer generation will be exposed to The Lion King for the first time. The producers are counting on the younger ones to favor the remake because of its photorealistic appeal where the animals appear real.

The Story

The plot does not change. Much of the dialogue is identical to that of the 25-year-old movie. Officials were given license to do what they wanted. Therefore, some subtle things were sprinkled in without tampering with the main story.

The Cast

A star-studded cast was chosen for the original film because their voices matched the characters they were playing. The same criterion was used for selecting the voices for the remake. The only voice in both films is that of the one and only James Earl Jones.

Directors found the legendary bass voice of the 88-year-old actor to be powerful and similar to a lion's roar that he portrays. He returns in the same role as Mufasa, Simba's father, former King of the Pride Lands.

The film featured voices that include Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Robert Guillaume, Madge Sinclair, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, and James Earl Jones.

Well known voices in the remake include those of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and James Earl Jones

The original motion picture soundtrack was released by Walt Disney Records on April 27, 1994. It was the fourth best-selling album of the year on the Billboard 200 and the top-selling soundtrack.

Lyricist Tim Rice and Elton John wrote five original songs for the film.

• "Circle of Life"
• "I Just Can't Wait to Be King"
• "Be Prepared"
• "Hakuna Matata"
• "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"

John's performance of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" plays during the credits at the end.

In the remake, Beyoncé and Donald Glover sing together. Then Beyoncé sings a new song, "Spirit," when Simba returns home. Elton John sings a different song during the credits.

Some Changes

There are some changes in the remake. Of course, those who didn't see the original won't know they are changes. Those who saw the movie long ago might notice some of the minor changes.

• The remake is a half-hour longer. The original was only 88 minutes including five minutes of credits. The remake is 118 minutes. No one is expected to complain.
• The biggest difference is that the animals no longer look like cartoon characters. Instead, they have been made to look like real animals.
• Some of the hyenas have new names.
• Scar performs a different version of his song, "Be Prepared." It is half the length of his original but twice as scary.
• Beyoncé sings her new song "Spirit" when Simba returns home. That was not in the original.
• Elton John sings a new song, "Never Too Late,"that plays during the end credits.

No Worries

Viewers of the remake are expected to leave the theater singing "Hakuna Matata" just as they did 25 years ago after seeing the original. The Lion King remake reminds moviegoers that for 118 minutes, they can sit and enjoy a classic movie with "no worries." After all, that's what "Hakuna Matata" means.