The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl

Disney

Can you believe more than 30 years have passed since The Lion King first arrived in theaters? The film was fantastic, with an incredible soundtrack. To celebrate the longevity of those memorable songs, Disney held a special concert at the Hollywood Bowl. And now that concert is coming to DisneyPlus.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

Celebrate the story that inspired a generation!

 

In honor of “The Lion King’s” 30th Anniversary, the Hollywood Bowl transforms into the Pride Lands for an immersive concert event featuring a reunion of the original voice cast alongside performances by cast members of the iconic Broadway show. Starring Lebo M, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Jason Weaver, Ernie Sabella, Billy Eichner, and stage musical alumni Heather Headley and Bradley Gibson, with special Guests North West and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, this music event celebrates 30 years of this Oscar and Tony Award-winning global phenomenon that has been brought to life through animation, the Broadway state, live action and beyond.

The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl arrives on DisneyPlus on February 7th.

"I Always Wanted A Brother" - Mufasa: The Lion King

Disney

Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the songs for the  latest tale from the Pride Lands and they are fantastic. Mufasa: The Lion King is the story of how Mufasa, an orphan cub, became the king. Young Taka sings this song about his secret wish for a brother.

Mufasa: The Lion King is in theaters now.

It Is Nearly Time For Mufasa's Tale To Be Told

All images: Disney

The final trailer for Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King has arrived. The story of Mufasa's rise to power looks like a rather dark adventure. And this trailer introduces the new villain, Kiros.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, "Mufasa: The Lion King" enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

Mufasa: The Lion King arrives in theaters on December 20th.

Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer

Disney

A new trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King has arrived. It looks like Mufasa’s journey to become king of Pride Lands was quite an epic adventure.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe. 

Mufasa: The Lion King arrives in theaters on December 20th.

"The Circle Of Life" - The Lion King

Disney

The music from Disney's The Lion King is so iconic. Just hearing the opening song, "The Circle Of Life", always puts me in a good mood.

The entire Lion King saga is available now on DisneyPlus. 

New Lion King Treats At Animal Kingdom

The Lion King recently turned 30, if you can believe it. To celebrate, the Disney Culinary Team has created a delightful selection of dishes inspired by characters from the film. These delectable sweets and treats will be available across Animal Kingdom until September 9th.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich - vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two blue cake-coated sugar cookies with a chocolate medallion on top

Harambe Market 

• You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake - a passion fruit-mango cheesecake with a coconut-lime crust, vanilla bean chantilly, and a chocolate medallion

Eight Spoon Café

• The Simba - mango-flavored slushy with grenadine and topped with two gummy candies

Isle of Java

• Timon’s Luau - a layered dessert with vanilla chiffon, passion fruit curd, guava jam, vanilla chantilly cream, an edible tropical flower for the lei, and mint for the hula skirt

Tiffins Restaurant 

• Rafiki’s Squash Banana - a shake blended with squash bananas, baobab fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom 
• “Remember Who You Are” - Kenyan coffee mousse filled with caramelized bananas, chai chantilly, banana-caramel sauce, chocolate-coffee crumble, chocolate decoration, and sugar sun

Restaurantosaurus

• Shenzi Strawberry Lemonade - Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, and blue curaçao syrup served with a souvenir glow cube 
• The Rightful Ruler Cupcake - a red velvet cake with cookies ‘n cream cheesecake filling and chocolate icing topped with a chocolate medallion on chocolate rocks (also available at Pizzafari) 

Trilo-bites 

• Zazu DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut Float - DOLE Whip Lime swirled into Sprite with coconut and blue curaçao syrup, topped with a white chocolate medallion

Various Outdoor Food Carts

• Simba Paw Cookie - an adorably decorated sugar cookie

Mufasa: The Lion King

All images: Disney

The first trailer and poster for a new story from the Pride Lands have arrived. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the tale of Mufasa's rise from orphan to King.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.  

The film has an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life:

• Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
• Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
• Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
• Preston Nyman as Zazu
• Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride 
• Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
• Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi
• Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
• Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
• John Kani as Rafiki
• Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
• Billy Eichner as Timon
• Donald Glover as Simba
• Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
• Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara
• With songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Mufasa: The Lion King arrives in theaters on December 20th.

Pride Rock Punch Recipe From Disney

Disneyland's latest festival, Celebrate Soulfully, has some amazing sounding food. The Pride Rock Punch is in honor of the new "Tale of the Lion King" show, which opens this Saturday. If you just can't wait, here's the recipe from Disney so you can make it at home.

Pride Rock Punch - Troubadour Tavern

Serves 4-6

1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

4 cups freshly brewed unsweetened black tea

1/3 cup mango beverage syrup *

1/2 cup orange juice

3/4 teaspoon tamarind paste

Orange slices

Dried mango slices

Dried pineapple

Place fresh pineapple in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Combine puréed pineapple, unsweetened tea, mango beverage syrup, orange juice, and tamarind paste in a large pitcher. Stir until tamarind paste is fully dissolved.

Fill 4-6 tall glasses halfway with ice. Add punch and garnish with orange slices, dried mango, and dried pineapple.

*If mango beverage syrup is unavailable, you can make your own using water, sugar, and mango. Bring 1/2 cup water, 1/2 sugar, and 1 cup of frozen mango pieces to a boil in a saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes. Cool completely and strain out mango pieces. Refrigerate up to one week.

Olaf Presents - Coming Soon To DisneyPlus

All images: Disney

Everyone's favorite snowman is back with a new series coming this November to DisneyPlus. Olaf will be entertaining the citizens of Arendelle with his delightfully zany take on five beloved Disney movies. 

Doesn't it look hilarious? Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Olaf steps into the spotlight and goes from snowman to showman as he takes on the roles of producer, actor, costumer and set builder for his unique “retelling” of five favorite Disney animated tales in “Olaf Presents,” a series of new animated shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The charismatic and versatile Olaf demonstrates his theatrical flair, taking on such iconic roles as a mermaid, a genie, a lion king (and most of the parts in between), as he entertains Arendelle with his delightful abbreviated versions of these beloved tales.

Olaf Presents arrives on DisneyPlus on November 12.

Disney KiteTails Is Coming To Animal Kingdom

Disney

This October 1, as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, a new show is coming to the skies above Animal Kingdom. "Disney KiteTails" will soar above the Discovery River Theater several times daily. A team of performers on land and the lagoon will fly kites and oversized props representing characters from The Little Mermaid, a bug's life, Finding Nemo, Jungle Book, and The Lion King. 

Some of the kites are as large as 30 feet long and are inflated by moving through the air. Original arrangements of favorite Disney songs will accompany this fantastic display. It looks amazing.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix always does an incredible job weaving their voices together in a capella harmonies. Their version of "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" from The Lion King is fantastic.

DCappella Takes On The Lion King And Its Amazing

Disney

DCappella's version of two songs from The Lion King, "Circle of Life", originally from the animated feature, and "He Lives In You", from the Broadway show, is fantastic. The two songs combine together beautifully to become something more.

The Lion King Is Coming To Digital And Blu-ray

Disney

Disney's live-action The Lion King met with mixed reviews when it debuted in theaters. Viewers either seem to love it or hate it. Personally, I really enjoyed it, which was rather unexpected, and I'm looking forward to seeing it again when it arrives on Digital on October 11 and Blu-ray in October 22. Both versions are loaded with bonus features that take a look behind the scenes of the making of the film.

Disney

Pre-Order Exclusive:

• Perfecting the Pride – Join the filmmakers on their research trip to Africa as they immerse themselves in the real world of “The Lion King.”  From the animals in the pride, to the smallest of insects and the grasslands in the savanna, experience the attention to detail that brought the film to life.

Digital Exclusive:

• Pride Lands Pedia —Dung beetle shares the importance of his “roll” in the African Savanna in a fun, bug’s eye view of the land and its inhabitants.

Blu-ray and Digital Bonus Features: 

• The Journey to “The Lion King” –The Music – Go inside the studio with the cast and crew as they work to honor and elevate The Lion King’s beloved music.
• The Magic – Discover how the filmmakers blended the traditional filmmaking techniques with virtual reality technology to create amazing movie magic.
• The Timeless Tale – Filmmakers and cast reflect on the story that has moved generations and share how this Lion King carries a proud legacy forward.
• More to Be Scene – Recording studio and layer-by-layer progressions of some of most iconic moments in “The Lion King.”
• “Circle of Life” – Peel back the layers of effects and go behind the scenes of this iconic musical moment from the film
• “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – See all the effects, talent and fun that went into creating this vibrant version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” for the movieMore in Home
• “Hakuna Matata” – Join Donald Glover (Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) and Billy Eichner (Timon) in the studio for the making of this memorable scene.
• Music Videos - “Never Too Late”, “Spirit”
• Filmmaker Introduction
• Audio Commentary – By Director Jon Favreau.
• Song Selection - “Circle of Life”, “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”, “Be Prepared”, “Hakuna Matata”  “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, “Spirit”, “Never Too Late”
• Protect the Pride –Director Jon Favreau, the Lion Recovery Fund and conservationists highlight efforts to protect the majestic lions and their home.

Quote of the Week

Disney

Everybody is somebody. 

Even a nobody.

- Rafiki, The Lion King

Quote of the Week

Disney

Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become.

- Mufasa, The Lion King

The King Has Returned

Disney

Disney's The Lion King is a new take on a classic favorite. With an amazing cast and stunning images, this film looks like it may live up to the name.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Director Jon Favreau’s all-new The Lion King 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 theaters today, July 19.

Reinventing Hakuna Matata Featurette

Disney

The cast of Disney's upcoming The Lion King appear to have had a lot of fun making the movie. And perhaps most importantly, deciding how to reinvent iconic moments like the "Hakuna Matata" scene while still honoring the original.

You can listen to the full song below.

Disney's The Lion King arrives in theaters tomorrow, July 19.

This The Lion King Clip Is Hilarious

Disney

Disney's new The Lion King arrives later this week and if this clip is any indication, Timon and Pumbaa are as funny as ever. "Fred" indeed!

The Lion King roars into theaters on Friday, July 16.

Quote of the Week

Disney

I'm only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble.

- Mufasa, The Lion King

"Never Too Late" From The Lion King

Disney

Here's another new song from The Lion King. "Never Too Late" was written and performed by Elton John, who also wrote and performed songs in the original animated film.

The rest of the album, which was released yesterday, can be heard on YouTube as well as several streaming services.