Walt Disney Productions/Album/Entertainment Pictures via ZUMA PressOh, what's that? You didn't hear that Disney was making a mother-flipping remake of The Lion King? The news is true, boo. It was announced today by The Walt Disney Company that they, along with actor, comedian and filmmaker Jon Favreau, would be reimagining the '90s classic. The announcement notes, "We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of The Lion King on the fast track to production. The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide."
We rounded up the most iconic scenes from The Lion King movie that we think need to be in the remake. If they leave any of these out, its questionable (in the hearts of fans everywhere) just how good it will turn out. You'll see what we mean soon.
1. FIRST AND FOREMOST. Everybody knows that dang perfect intro to the "Circle of Life" song even if they still haven't figured out the correct pronunciation of the lyrics. You know what we're talking about. That epic chant at the beginning of the song, when the sun is rising over the kingdom? Don't even front like you don't scream that part every time it comes on, either. We see you.
2. The "Circle of Life" Scene. This part is key, you guys. It sets the stage and gets you all jazzed for what's to come. We meet the whole animal kingdom including Mufasa and Sarabi, the parents of Simba. We see Rafiki holding baby Simba for all the kingdom to see. Anyone that can name a better way to start this movie off isn't allowed to call themselves a Lion King fan.
3. This Touching Father and Son Moment. Looking back, this scene will make any LK fan's heart crumble. "Look Simba; everything like light touches is our kingdom," Mufasa tells Simba only scenes before he dies (noooooo!). Honestly, if they leave this part out, how can they even legally call it The Lion King? Just saying.
4. Nala and Simba Gettin' Freaky. Simba had a rough life, okay? The love between him and Nala totally deserves some screen time. It's cute, okay?
5. Hakuna Matata. It means "no worries," but duh, you already knew that you Lion King expert, you! If this song isn't one of the included classics in the new film, there may be a few audience members asking for their money back. Mhmm.
6. When Scar kills Mufasa. JUST KIDDING. Jesus, who do you think we are? While we understand Mufasa has to pass away to hand over the kingdom and complete that dang circle of life, why does it have to be so depressing? We vote making this a lot less traumatic in the reboot. Nobody has time to cry right now, okay Disney?
The announcement did say that the remake would include songs from our fave childhood film, which is a very smart move considering it "is one of the biggest animated films of all time with a lifetime global box office gross of $968.8 million, including $422.8 million domestically." Did you know it also won both multiple Academy Awards and Grammy's? What about that time it became (and stayed) one of Broadway's biggest hit plays? Well played on this remake idea, Disney. Well played, indeed.