Lion King cast members stare down their animal counterparts in new photos

Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King hits theaters in 16 days…not that I have a countdown or anything on all of my devices. Much like any other ’90s kid, I am ecstatic to see The Lion King come to life in a wholly different way courtesy of director Jon Favreau who is about to make a lot of grown adults very happy as they relive their childhood, and a lot of their children confused over why their parents are openly crying in the movie theater.

In anticipation of the big release, Favreau has given us a little present: A series of images of the cast members facing down their animal counterparts:

Everyone from Beyoncé to Alfre Woodward to Donald Glover are posing face to face with the character they are playing, but unfortunately, we are missing one very major character: MUFASA! Why didn’t James Earl Jones pose for a picture across his iconic character, whom he played in both the 1994 original and the remake?

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Other than that, I am pleased. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, as Simba and freaking Beyonce as Nala? It’s hard to go wrong.

Also, I’m just putting it out there that I still can’t get myself to love how they made Zazu the red-billed hornbill look in the live-action version. He looks as if he’s been attacked and/or injured and isn’t the colorful, sassy, upright bird I remember from the original. Perhaps hearing John Oliver’s voice work will make all the difference. He certainly sounds British enough for the part.

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h/t The A.V. Club