Disney to remake 'The Lion King', and it's live-action

Still from Disney's 1994 animated classic 'The Lion King'

Disney's circle of

remakes continues with the news that animated favourite

The Lion King

is next in their priority remake queue.

And this time it's going to be live-action.

Hakuna Matata!

Fortunately, the remake is in the safe hands of director Jon Favreau.

Favreau was behind the lens for the exceptional live-action remake of The Jungle Book, which came out earlier this year, and is currently at work on its sequel.

The original Lion King came out in 1994 and was instantly hailed as a modern classic. It grossed US$968million and would go on to win two Academy Awards.

The film's soundtrack, which featured Elton John's Can You Feel the Love Tonight, was also a smash hit, winning a Grammy and selling more than 14 million copies.

The Lion King Broadway musical, which is also live-action, has been running for 19 years.

So, can you feel Disney's remake love tonight?

You should. This latest announcement continues their recent trend of giving beloved back catalogue films a modern overhaul.

The good news is that their quality control has been on point.

Favreau's The Jungle Book was really great, and last month's Pete's Dragon remake is destined to become a classic in its own right.

Disney also have remakes of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast in the works.

But despite all their current remake enthuisasm there's still no word on when the Song of the South update will be made...