The 2019 remake of The Lion King is a visually stunning reimagining of Disney’s 1994 animated classic, yet it carries with it a mixed bag of both praise and critique. Directed by Jon Favreau, who had already shown success in the realm of CGI-driven reboots with The Jungle Book in 2016, this iteration of The Lion King was highly anticipated for its use of cutting-edge photorealistic animation. Disney marketed it as a “live-action” film, despite the absence of actual live actors. The film features a star-studded voice cast, including Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, and James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa, providing continuity with the original.
At its core, The Lion King (2019) retains the same narrative as its predecessor, which is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet set in the African savanna. The story follows Simba, a young lion who is destined to become the king of the Pride Lands. After the death of his father Mufasa, Simba is tricked into exile by his uncle Scar, who covets the throne. The film’s major thematic beats of identity, responsibility, and the cycle of life remain central to this version, just as they did in the 1994 original.
However, one of the most immediate aspects that sets this remake apart is the visual experience. The film’s computer-generated imagery (CGI) is nothing short of groundbreaking. The animals, environments, and landscapes are rendered with an astonishing level of realism, bringing to life a photorealistic version of the African wilderness. From the fine details of fur, to the fluidity of the animals’ movements, to the dynamic and vibrant landscapes, the film aims to immerse viewers in a seemingly tangible world. In many ways, the animation feels like a technical achievement and is one of the primary reasons for the film’s success at the box office. It’s a spectacle of digital craftsmanship, and in terms of visuals alone, The Lion King (2019) is a marvel to behold.
Yet, while the realism of the animation is awe-inspiring, it also introduces a significant challenge to the film: emotional expression. In the original 1994 animated film, the characters were depicted in a more cartoonish, expressive style, which allowed for a broad range of emotional expression. Lions could smile, frown, or display exaggerated facial expressions, which made their inner feelings and struggles more accessible to the audience. In the 2019 version, the commitment to photorealism limits the range of facial expressiveness that the animals can convey. As a result, scenes that were emotionally resonant in the original—such as Mufasa’s death or Simba’s subsequent grief—feel somewhat flat in this adaptation. The lions, in particular, struggle to display the depth of emotion required to convey the intensity of certain moments, leading to a disconnect between the visuals and the emotional weight of the story.
The voice acting, while performed by an all-star cast, also receives mixed reviews. Donald Glover’s portrayal of Simba is earnest and brings a certain modernity to the character, but his performance occasionally feels subdued. Beyoncé’s Nala, on the other hand, is commanding and assertive, yet some critics argue that her delivery is too self-assured for a character who is supposed to be discovering her own strength and agency throughout the film. The standout performance is, unsurprisingly, James Earl Jones as Mufasa. His deep, authoritative voice lends gravitas to the character, just as it did in 1994, and his return provides a nostalgic touchstone for fans of the original.
Chiwetel Ejiofor takes on the role of Scar, replacing Jeremy Irons from the original, and while he brings a more menacing and grounded tone to the character, his Scar lacks the sardonic wit and flamboyant villainy that made Irons’ portrayal so iconic. Ejiofor’s Scar is more subdued, playing the character as a darker, more somber figure. While this approach works for some scenes, particularly those that focus on Scar’s resentment and jealousy, it robs the character of some of the charm and theatricality that made the original performance so memorable.
The supporting cast is generally strong, with Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon providing much-needed comic relief. Their scenes inject some levity into what is otherwise a fairly serious adaptation, and their banter feels fresh and humorous without straying too far from the spirit of the original characters. John Oliver’s Zazu also stands out as a humorous yet fussy advisor, although his role in the film feels somewhat more constrained compared to the animated version.
Musically, The Lion King (2019) keeps most of the original soundtrack intact, including beloved songs like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The score, composed by Hans Zimmer, returns with some minor updates to accommodate the new production, while Elton John’s and Tim Rice’s songs retain their familiar appeal. There are a few new musical additions, including Beyoncé’s original song “Spirit,” which is used during Simba’s journey back to Pride Rock. While “Spirit” is a powerful anthem in its own right, its placement in the film feels somewhat jarring and out of sync with the rest of the soundtrack. The inclusion of new material alongside the classic songs can create a sense of tonal inconsistency, though this is a minor quibble for most viewers.
Narratively, the 2019 version adheres closely to the original film, with only a few deviations. Some scenes are extended or slightly altered, such as Nala’s escape from Pride Rock and her role in encouraging Simba to return. These changes give Nala a bit more agency and screen time, which many viewers appreciated, but they do little to alter the overall trajectory of the story. The film is a near shot-for-shot remake, and while this ensures that fans of the original are given a faithful retelling, it also raises questions about the necessity of the remake in the first place. Many critics argue that the film plays it too safe, relying heavily on nostalgia rather than offering any substantial new insights or innovations.
In terms of pacing, the 2019 version stretches the original’s 88-minute runtime to nearly two hours. While this gives the filmmakers more room to explore certain sequences, it also leads to some pacing issues, particularly in the film’s second act. The middle portion of the movie, where Simba grows up with Timon and Pumbaa in the jungle, feels slightly sluggish compared to the brisker pacing of the original. Some scenes feel drawn out, and while the slower pace allows for more lingering shots of the breathtaking environments, it can also diminish the sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward.
Thematically, The Lion King (2019) remains faithful to the original film’s exploration of responsibility, destiny, and the balance of nature. The “Circle of Life” motif is still central, and the film continues to convey the message that every living thing plays a role in maintaining the balance of the world. Simba’s journey from a carefree cub to a responsible king mirrors the archetypal hero’s journey, and his eventual acceptance of his role in the Pride Lands speaks to themes of self-discovery, accountability, and legacy. These themes remain as resonant today as they did in 1994, though the 2019 film does little to expand or deepen them beyond what was already established.
One of the more contentious aspects of The Lion King (2019) is the debate over whether the film was necessary at all. As with many of Disney’s recent live-action remakes, some viewers see the film as a cash grab, capitalizing on the nostalgia of audiences who grew up with the original. While the technology behind the remake is undeniably impressive, the film’s adherence to the original’s script and structure raises questions about the artistic merit of such a project. Critics have pointed out that the 1994 film remains beloved by fans and is still widely accessible, leaving some to wonder why a remake was needed if it didn’t significantly deviate or offer new interpretations of the story.
On the other hand, there are those who appreciate the film as a modern update, bringing The Lion King to a new generation with cutting-edge technology. For younger audiences who may not have grown up with the original, the 2019 version offers an introduction to the story in a format that aligns with contemporary cinematic trends. The film’s success at the box office, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide, suggests that there is still a demand for Disney’s live-action remakes, even if they don’t necessarily bring new dimensions to the stories they retell.
In the end, The Lion King (2019) is a film that walks a fine line between reverence for its source material and the desire to push technological boundaries. Visually, it is a triumph, showcasing some of the most advanced CGI work ever seen in cinema. Its photorealistic depiction of the African savanna and its inhabitants is undeniably impressive and immerses viewers in a beautifully crafted world. However, this commitment to realism comes at a cost, as the emotional expressiveness of the characters is somewhat stifled by the limitations of the animation style. The film’s adherence to the original story, while comforting to fans of the 1994 version, leaves little room for innovation or creative risk-taking.
For fans of the original The Lion King, the 2019 remake will likely evoke a sense of nostalgia, as it faithfully recreates many of the iconic moments and musical numbers. However, for those looking for a fresh take or a deeper exploration of the story’s themes, the film may feel somewhat hollow. It is a visually stunning, yet emotionally muted experience that succeeds more as a technical showcase than as a compelling retelling of a classic tale. Despite these criticisms, The Lion King (2019) undeniably captivates with its awe-inspiring visuals, even though it lacks the heart and vitality of its predecessor. It is an exemplar of modern filmmaking technology, yet it highlights the limitations of photorealism in storytelling. The intricate details in each scene—the reflection of sunlight on the Pride Lands, the intricate design of animal coats, and the sweeping vistas of the African plains—are breathtaking to witness. These elements, though, do not compensate for the fact that in moments of raw emotion, the film struggles to evoke the same responses the original did so effortlessly.
The emotional flattening of The Lion King (2019) becomes most apparent during the pivotal and highly emotional scenes. One of the most iconic moments in the original was the death of Mufasa, a scene that resonated deeply with audiences due to the strong emotional connection established between Simba and his father. In the 1994 version, Simba’s expression of grief is raw and deeply moving, facilitated by the exaggerated yet relatable facial animations of the characters. In the remake, the photorealistic lions struggle to convey the same depth of emotion. Simba’s eyes remain fixed, and his face too closely mirrors that of a real lion—stoic and unreadable. It’s an odd juxtaposition where the grandeur of the scene, from the stampede to the tragic fall of Mufasa, feels visually more epic but emotionally less impactful.
This same issue extends to Simba’s eventual confrontation with Scar, a moment that, in the original, was charged with intensity and personal stakes. While the 2019 film hits all the same story beats, the showdown lacks the visceral energy of the original. The lions, bound by the constraints of photorealism, appear almost too restrained in their movements and facial expressions, lessening the tension that the original film built so effectively.
In terms of character design, the decision to make the animals look so lifelike is an impressive technical achievement but also a hindrance to their characterization. Scar, for example, in the original film was easily distinguishable not just by his dark fur and sinister features, but by his exaggerated expressions and Jeremy Irons’ voice, which exuded a cold, calculated malice. In the remake, Scar is visually less distinct from the other lions, and while Chiwetel Ejiofor brings a different kind of menace to the character, the physical portrayal of Scar does not have the same gravitas or memorable flair as his animated counterpart. The visual flattening of characters like Scar removes some of the vibrant personality that made them stand out, reducing them to more muted representations of their original selves.
A notable bright spot in the film is the friendship and dynamic between Timon and Pumbaa. Their comedic timing and banter remain delightful, and Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner bring a refreshing and modern twist to the beloved duo. Their scenes often provide much-needed moments of levity, which stand out particularly because of how well the humor translates to this more realistic setting. The improvisational feel of their dialogue lends an element of spontaneity that contrasts with the more formal, almost reverent treatment of other characters. Timon and Pumbaa’s presence, with their carefree “Hakuna Matata” philosophy, shines as one of the few parts of the remake that manages to retain the original’s whimsical charm while fitting comfortably within the confines of the new visual style.
Additionally, while the original film’s animation was more stylized and exaggerated, it gave the characters a wide range of emotional expressiveness, which was vital for an audience to connect with anthropomorphized animals. In the 2019 version, the hyper-realistic animals behave and move like real animals would in nature, but this choice creates a barrier for the audience. It is difficult to interpret the internal struggles of a character when their face offers little to no movement beyond what is possible for an actual lion or warthog.
The film’s adherence to realism also affects its portrayal of the supporting cast of animals, such as the hyenas led by Shenzi (voiced by Florence Kasumba). In the original, the hyenas provided much of the comic relief, with their exaggerated voices and slapstick antics. In the remake, they are portrayed in a much more menacing light, stripping away much of their humor in favor of making them more threatening adversaries. While this shift in tone does work to heighten the sense of danger Scar brings to the Pride Lands, it also robs the film of some of the lively humor that balanced out the more dramatic elements of the story. The hyenas, like many of the other characters, are less colorful and, therefore, less memorable.
Despite the flaws in emotional expression and character dynamics, The Lion King (2019) succeeds in maintaining the film’s overall grandeur, largely thanks to its musical score. Hans Zimmer’s iconic compositions from the original are preserved and enhanced, evoking a sense of nostalgia while blending seamlessly with the visuals. Songs like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” retain their emotive power, albeit with a more subdued presentation that complements the film’s realistic style. The integration of Lebo M’s African choral arrangements adds authenticity and depth to the soundtrack, grounding the film in its cultural influences.
However, the film’s musical choices also raise some concerns. Beyoncé’s addition to the cast naturally brought with it her own artistic contributions, most notably her original song “Spirit.” While the song is powerful in its own right and fits within the broader themes of the film, its inclusion felt somewhat out of place within the established tone and musical flow. As a stand-alone piece, “Spirit” is stirring, but within the context of the film, it feels like a modern pop anthem that interrupts the narrative’s momentum, rather than enhancing it. The decision to insert a new song rather than rely solely on the original soundtrack is understandable, given Beyoncé’s involvement, but it highlights the tension between the film’s adherence to nostalgia and its attempts to modernize the experience for contemporary audiences.
