By doing this, he has shown a delightful balance of old and new, a well as a clear understanding of when to imitate and when to try something new.
We should take this time to note that the scene shown by Jon Favreau at D23 was NOT a shot for shot remake of the original film’s opening sequence.
This film won’t feel like a shot for shot recreation of the first movie (a la the often maligned Psycho remake), but it will adhere to a particular aesthetic that made the first entry in this franchise work so well.
It’s almost entirely identical in tone, style, and structure, and while it borrowed liberally from the source material, the Iron Man director also took the time to add in a few unique shots of his own.
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Carmen Twillie, Lebo M. - Circle Of Life (Official Video from "The Lion King")