‘Lion King’ voice cast, Broadway stars to film Disney+ concert
“The Lion King” 30th anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl — featuring Lebo M., Jeremy Irons, and more — will be filmed for Disney+.
“The Lion King” at the Hollywood Bowl
The evening will include songs from the 1994 film, 1997 Broadway musical, and 2019 remake film.
The concert will feature performances by:
- Billy Eichner, voice of Timon in 2019 remake
- Bradley Gibson, original Young Simba on Broadway
- Heather Headley, original Nala on Broadway
- Jennifer Hudson, special guest
- Jeremy Irons, voice of Scar in 1994 film
- Nathan Lane, voice of Timon in 1994 film
- Lebo M., composer of film and Broadway versions, vocalist of “Nants’ Ingonyama”
- Ernie Sabella, voice of Pumbaa in 1994 film
- Jason Weaver, singing voice of Young Simba in 1994 film
- North West, special guest
“Lion King” Concert Tickets and Streaming Release
Tickets are available for the live concert during which the special will be filmed, happening May 24 and 25, 2024 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif. Prices range from $25-$250.
Formally titled “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl,” the Disney+ special will stream sometime in 2024 (no specific release date announced yet). “Encanto” received a similar live-concert-filmed-for-streaming treatment in 2022.
The production is a collaboration among Disney Concerts, Fulwell 73 Productions, AMP Worldwide, and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva.
The Hollywood Bowl will also be home to a Disney-themed ’80s and ’90s concert this July.
The ‘Lion King’ Legacy
Walt Disney Animation Studios released “The Lion King” on June 24, 1994 from directors Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, both in their feature directorial debut. 25% of the film was created at Disney Animation’s now-closed satellite branch located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios) near Orlando, Fla., according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The film was an instant titan at the box office, as was its 2011 rerelease in 3D and 2019 remake from director Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”).
Three decades after its release, tunes from “The Lion King” still reign among Disney’s most popular songs. This December, the story will continue with “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a new film in theaters from director Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”).
30th Anniversary at Animal Kingdom
Over on the east coast, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will commemorate the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King” from June 10 – Sept. 6, 2024. During that time, guests can purchase new merchandise, specialty food, and a Pumbaa popcorn bucket, plus meet Rafiki and Timon at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Animal Kingdom is home to the popular “Festival of the Lion King” live production. From our Attractions Magazine YouTube archives, here’s the full video from the show’s final performance in its previous venue in Camp Minnie-Mickey (the area of Animal Kingdom that Pandora – The World of Avatar replaced). “Festival of the Lion King” now performs in the park’s Africa area.
