Is The Lion King too scary for kids? (no spoiler review)

Disney’s re-imagined “The Lion King” is set to hit theaters on July 19th. While some consider the newest version of The Lion King the ‘live action’ version, it is actually completely animated as well. While most of the original The Lion King was hand drawn, the newest film is completely computer graphics. While the film is animated, it looks so much more realistic than the original from 1994. In addition to realism, Disney’s newest version comes with a PG rating rather than G. For those that are wondering if The Lion King is too scary for kids, I am here to share a no spoiler review.

THE LION KING – Featuring the voices of Florence Kasumba, Eric André and Keegan-Michael Key as the hyenas, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Disney’s “The Lion King” is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019. © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Disney’s The Lion King is rated PG

Disney’s The Lion King is rated PG and I believe that is a fair rating. The film is rated PG for ‘sequences of violence as well as some thematic elements’. I do not think it is a spoiler to let readers know that Mufasa dies a violent death and that there are many moments of peril. While the movie has a few differences in plot, it is in more ways than not a ‘shot for shot’ of the original but with different voices and improved technology. Scar, hyenas, and drought are all much more vivid and scary. If your child is easily scared, it is fair to say this is a scarier version. That said, there is very little blood and no gore at all. It is also important to point out there are no ‘bad words’. Well, Pumba actually says ‘farted’ in this movie rather than Timon cutting him off, but no words banned in our house. On another note, I thought “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” was ‘sexier’ in the original than this version. I know that is weird, but you know what I mean, 1994 Nala’s bedroom eyes just aren’t a thing here. I know every child and family is different, but we will be seeing The Lion King as a family in theaters. I encourage families to read other reviews and possibly screen the movie before bringing children if they have any concerns.

THE LION KING – Featuring the voices of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala and Donald Glover as Simba, Disney’s “The Lion King” is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019. © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

I personally was a huge fan of the original The Lion King animated film. I was worried the newest version might be too intense or realistic. I found that it was still whimsical and still had a wonderful message about facing your fears and being the best version of yourself. The songs are just as catchy as they ever were! Fans of the Broadway musical will be happy to know that elements and songs unique to the musical are also present. Disney’s The Lion King is a perfect summer movie for the whole family!

A FUTURE KING IS BORN – In Disney’s all-new “The Lion King,” Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. Featuring JD McCrary and Donald Glover as young Simba and Simba, “The Lion King” roars into U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019. ©2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

My daughter and I were lucky enough to walk the red carpet for the World Premiere of The Lion King. Don’t miss those fun pictures and videos!  If you are planning on seeing The Lion King in theaters make sure to purchase tickets through Fandango!

“Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.” Disney

Follow along on Social Media –  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, https://disney.com/lionking, #TheLionKing.