Jon Favreau to Direct Disney’s Live-Action Version of ‘The Lion King’
The “Iron Man” and “Jungle Book” director will helm the reimagining of the 1994 animated classic
September 29, 2016![](https://www.howardstern.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/09/36323-the-jungle-book-european-premiere-vip-arrivals.jpg?w=700)
Mufasa’s death is about to get a lot more realistic.
The circle of live-action Disney remakes continues, with the company announcing Wednesday that Jon Favreau will direct a reimagining of the 1994 animated classic, “The Lion King.” This comes on the heels of Disney and Favreau’s runaway live-action version of “The Jungle Book,” which earned $965.8 million worldwide (Favreau is also set to direct a sequel to “Book,” which is currently in development).
Favreau’s reimagined “Lion King” will feature songs from the original, which grossed $968 million worldwide and remains one of the biggest animated films of all time. Additionally, the theatrical production remains one of Broadway’s biggest hits of all time, as well as a technical marvel.
Disney’s next live-action reimagining is “Beauty and the Beast,” which stars Emma Watson and is set for a March 17, 2017 release.