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The Lion King reviews: First reactions are in for new Disney animation movie

Critics have praised the remake’s ‘beautiful effects’, ‘gorgeous score’ and starry voice cast

Ellie Harrison
Wednesday 10 July 2019 09:53 BST
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The Lion King - 'Home' TV Spot - Trailer

The first reactions are in for Disney’s new live-action remake of The Lion King – and so far the film has had a roaring reception.

Jon Favreau’s remake, starring Donald Glover, Beyoncé and Seth Rogen to name a few, premiered in the US on Tuesday night and, following a social media embargo lift, reviews of of the film have been rolling in.

Critics have been marvelling at the film's “beautiful effects” which have been described as a “game-changer” for VFX.

The “gorgeous score”, including tracks by Glover and Beyoncé, has also received high praise.

Many have also complimented the voice cast, as well as remarking on how funny and moving they found the film.

In the remake, Glover voices Simba, the lion cub whose birthright was robbed by his wicked uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and who goes out into the wilderness, befriending warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) on his travels.

Beyonce portrays Nala, Simba’s best friend, with James Earl Jones reprising his role from the original films as Simba’s father Mufasa.

The Lion King will hit UK cinemas on 19 July 2019.

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