Full Cast for "The Lion King" Revealed; Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks

Full Cast for "The Lion King" Remake Revealed:

Disney just revealed the full cast for the live-action remake of "The Lion King." We already knew some of the cast such as Donald Glover (Simba), James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa, and Beyonce as Nala. Here is the full cast besides these amazing stars.

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar

Alfree Woodard as Sarabi

John Oliver as Zazu

John Kani as Rafiki

Seth Rogen as Pumbaa

Billy Eichner as Timon

Eric Andre as Azizi

Florence Kasumba as Shenzi

Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari

JD McCrary as Young Simba

Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala

"The Lion King" live action film which is being directed by Jon Favreau is due in theaters Summer 2019.

Mickey's Birthday Celebration at Disney Parks:

Mickey's big day is fast approaching once again as it will be celebrated at Disney Parks around the world. Mickey's Birthday is November 18 as he heads out on another epic adventure around the world. Here is what is in store at Disney Parks:

Walt Disney World:

Will celebrate with special “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons, merchandise and Sorcerer Mickey Cake. To commemorate the occasion, guests can sing and dance along with “Happy Birthday” during Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!, Cosmic Dance Party in Tomorrowland and performances by the Dapper Dans. Plus, birthday photo props will be available at all four theme parks, and everyone who collects their photos at the parks will receive a folder with a commemorative sticker.

Disneyland:

Will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. There will be plenty of chances to sing “Happy Birthday” along the way, and of course, “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons will be distributed to park guests.

Disneyland Paris:

On Main Street, USA is where the party's at. Be prepared to celebrate Mickey’s birthday just before “Disney Magic on Parade,” as well as during the Lucky Nugget Saloon show at Disneyland park and in “Mickey and the Magician” at Walt Disney Studios park. And what’s a birthday without cake? Guests can find plenty to snack on at locations around the resort.

Guests at Hong Kong Disneyland can pick up a special Mickey Birthday pin and a special edition Times Guide in honor of everyone’s favorite mouse. At Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will have the chance to sing “Happy Birthday” and join in unique photo opportunities.

Mickey will also be visiting several places around the world leading up to his big day such as Japan, Chile, Canada, China, England, and the United States on his Instagram and Facebook pages. On November 15 there will be even more surprises when he visits Good Morning America on November 15. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released; James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action Lion King

New Footage of the Na'vi River Journey Released by Disney:

It is just a little over three months when Pandora: The World of Avatar will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Disney just keeps on teasing us with excitement as today they released a 15-second clip with footage for the Na'vi River Journey. Take a look at the clip with awe and beauty that Pandora will bring to the park that is already amazing:

The beauty of Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27, 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

James Earl Jones & Donald Glover Join Cast of Live-Action 'Lion King':

Last year, we learned that Jon Favreau would be directing a live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "The Lion King." Favreau made two major casting announcements on Friday for the film and I couldn't be more excited. 

Donald Glover has signed on to the film in the role and voice of adult Simba. James Earl Jones is set to reprise his role of Mufasa which he voiced in the original animated classic. This is best news ever and it has taken me a few days just to keep my excitement from getting out of hand.

No release date has been announced for the live-action film but with Jon Favreau directing and these two stars already signed on for the film. The live-action remake of "The Lion King" is sure to be a hit at the box office. 

Get Adventurous With Destination D Merchandise; Jon Favreau & Disney Making Re-Imagined "Lion King"

Get Adventurous With Destination D Merchandise:

We are less than 2 months away from Destination D23: Amazing Adventures at Disney World. Today, we got a sneak peak at some of the exclusive merchandise that will be available at the event. The exclusive merchandise will be available at Mickey of Glendale's in their pop-up tent at the event. Here is just some of the merchandise we can look forward:

Jingle Cruise 12 Days of Christmas Mystery Collection: An “all-gnu” pin collection celebrating the holidays as only the wild Jungle Cruise Skippers can! Each box contains one randomly selected pin. (There are 12 different pins in all.)

Jingle Cruise 4th Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange T-Shirt: Arriving just in time for the third fourth annual celebration! Wear this festive 100-percent cotton tee to your office party… or save it for next year’s re-gifting!

Jungle Navigation Company T-Shirt: Official 100-percent cotton company apparel designed and approved by Alberta Falls of the Jungle Navigation Company.

S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) Pins: Detailed replicas of the actual pins worn by generations of elite members of S.E.A.

S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) T-Shirt: Proper—100-percent cotton—garb for your own legendary explorations and adventures.

Tickets for Destination D: Amazing Adventures are still available for the event that takes place November 19 and 20. Some of the amazing presenters at the even will include Walt Disney Parks & Resorts President Bob Chapek, James Cameron, Jon Landau, Joe Rohde, Marty Sklar, Jared Bush, and Tony Baxter. Also Walt Disney Archives will also have an exhibit sharing the adventures of Walt Disney. Destination D: Amazing Adventures will take place at Disney's Contemporary Resort. 

Jon Favreau & Disney Making Re-Imagined "Lion King":

News broke this morning when Jon Favreau and Disney released they would be making re-imagined (live-action) version of the 1994 Disney animated classic in "The Lion King." I couldn't be more excited for this film. This follows Favreau's groundbreaking technology hit in "The Jungle Book" which made $965.8 million worldwide at the box office. 

"The Lion King builds on Disney’s success of reimagining its classics for a contemporary audience with films like Maleficent, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. The upcoming Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson as Belle, is already one of the most anticipated movies of 2017. Like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King will include songs from the animated film. Disney and Favreau are also in development on a sequel to The Jungle Book. No release date has been announced for either film." - Walt Disney Company

"The Lion King" is one of Disney's biggest animated film's of all time making $968.8 million at the box office worldwide, including $422.8 million domestically. My excitement this morning was overwhelming as "The Lion King" is my favorite Disney film besides of course "Toy Story." My first favorite character will always be Simba. I can't wait to see this film.

 

Movie Review: Disney's "The Jungle Book" (Spoiler Free)

After seeing "The Jungle Book" last night, I couldn't help but feel as I had watched the Disney classic film that came out so many years ago. Jon Favreau did a tremendous job of recreating one of Walt Disney's classic animated films. Two thumbs up to him for the fantastic job. The cast was A+ to begin with, we knew that ahead before anyone saw the film, they brought the true characters out from the animated film.

Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, and Bill Murray were fantastic in their roles respectively. Elba who takes on the role of Shere Khan sent shrills down my back every time he appeared on screen. Walken as King Louie another stellar pick for the role, although would of liked to see him more during the film, was a perfect pick for the giant orangutan. Murray literally took on the the role of Baloo, the light-hearted and lovable bear brought another mentor role to Mowgli.

Lupita Nyong'o and Sir Ben Kingsley also were amazing in there roles as Raksha and Bagheera, especially Kingsley. The star of the film is Neel Sethhi as Mowgli who's character grew throughout the film. That's what made this film so great, the character development throughout the whole film was just amazing. Although I was disappointed how little screen time Scarlet Johansson as Kaa had.

The film was simply amazing and quite simply only excites me more to see Disney's next take on their remakes of their animated classics. The film which was earlier announced that it made an estimated $103.56 million during its opening weekend earning the top spot for films this weekend. Deservedly so, the film was tremendous and kudos to the cast and director Jon Favreau on a job well done.

Yes, I recommend going to see "The Jungle Book" because I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

New "Jungle Book" Featurette and New Character Posters Released

We have had a lot of "Jungle Book" news this week with the photoshoot and the amazing first clip that was released. Today, we got another look at the film with a new feature looking behind the scenes look with interviews with the cast as well as director Jon Favreau. We also see shots from the film Mowgli (Neel Sethi) in awe of the jungle and shots the compare the film and the animated classic. Also interviewed was Bill Murray, Idris Elba, and Sir Ben Kingsley.


The original "Jungle Book" was the last film the Walt Disney worked on and as Disney Insider Drew Taylor said, "it's hard not to think he would of loved this version, especially since it features cutting edge technology and world class story-telling, two pinnacles of Walt's output."

Disney also released seven new character posters including of Baloo, Mowgli, Kaa, Shere Khan, Bagheera, King Louie, and Raksha. Here are the new posters:

Disney's "The Jungle Book" is due to be released April 15, 2016. 

Choose Your Side in New "Captain America: Civil War" Trailer; New "Jungle Book" Trailer Hits During Super Bowl

Choose Your Side in New "Captain America: Civil War" Trailer:

Are you #TeamCap or are you #TeamIronman? It is all your choice as the new "Captain America: Civil War" trailer hit the television right before kickoff of Super Bowl 50. Team Captain America features the Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and AntMan. Team Iron Man features the Black Widow, Vision, Black Panther, and War Machine. Whose side are you on? Here is the trailer:

I’m sorry, @Iron_Man, but he’s my friend. See the official #CaptainAmericaCivilWar Big Game spot. https://t.co/WffYYVswvl

— Captain America (@CaptainAmerica) February 7, 2016

"Captain America: Civil War" hits theaters May 6, 2016.

New "Jungle Book" Trailer Hits During Super Bowl:

As was expected during the first half, the new trailer for "The Jungle Book" aired. The movie is expected to hit theaters April 15, 2016 in 3D. Here is a look at this trailer, loved hearing Christopher Walken's voice as King Louie.

RT this new trailer for @TheJungleBook to receive a special message from director #JonFavreau! 🐻🐯🐵🐍https://t.co/aR1Ymg2oRK

— The Jungle Book (@TheJungleBook) February 7, 2016

If you retweeted the trailer you also got a special message from director Jon Favreau, here is the message:

@Startedwmouse Thanks for the RT! Here's a special thank you from our director, Jon Favreau. #JungleBookhttps://t.co/2ckNQVh3GI

— The Jungle Book (@TheJungleBook) February 8, 2016