'The Lion King': Disney Should Have Hakuna Matata About Remake, According to Early Reactions

Huge box office is the mouse house’s ciiiircle of liiiife, after all

Walt Disney Studios

Disney held the world premiere of its “live action” (actually super impressively CGI’d) remake of “The Lion King” tonight in Hollywood, and as the screening ended the first reactions appeared online like, uh, lions creeping across the savanna. And the verdict? It’s pretty damned good, assuming reactions from those lucky enough to attend are any guide.

Overall, the consensus seems to be that it’s a visually staggering film with a lot of heart that also tugs nostalgically on the heartstings of anyone who say the 1994 original when they were a kid.

“If you’re hoping this will be a near-exact adaptation of the animated movie with some absolutely jaw-dropping visual effects, you’ll get what you’re looking for,” IGN’s Terri Schwartz tweeted.

“Incredible visuals and voice work. Cried all my makeup off.,” said Nerdist’s Rachel Heine.

“I think (I think) it’s the most beautiful effects movie I’ve seen. Like next level, the game has changed kind of thing,” Uproxx’s Mike Ryan gushed.

Not everyone was in love fully. Mashable’s Angie J. Han loved the effects and the cast, but thought over all that “The Lion King” is “more nostalgic rehash than fresh reimagining.”

Directed by John Favreau, “The Lion King” stars Donald Glover as Simba, along with Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, John Kani, Alfre Woodard, Florence Kasumba, Eric Andre and Keegan-Michael Key. It hits theaters July 19.

Read on for some more reactions from tonight’s “The Lion King” premiere:

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