The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl

Last May, Disney celebrated 30 years of The Lion King with a special concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which honored not only the Oscar-winning 1994 animated movie, but also the Broadway musical adaptation, the 2019 live-action remake, and its prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King. This meant that gathered together were members of the original cast, like Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Jason Weaver, and Ernie Sabella, as well as members of the remake's ensemble, like Billie Eichner, as well as Broadway luminaries Heather Headley and Bradley Gibson, composer Lebo M, and EGOT-achiever Jennifer Hudson. Now, Disney+ is bringing all of this and more into your home in a one-hour-and-seven-minute presentation.

Behind-the-scenes clips of the makings of these movies and this event are interspersed with the recorded live performances of all of those above, intercut with the elated reactions of the fans and celebrities present. (Keep an eye out for Craig Robinson, Mark Ruffalo, and the Kardashian clan, as they stand up and cheer in different sections of the show.) As teased in the trailer, the incredible costumes from the Broadway show are combined with projections and sheer star power to bring fresh life to long-beloved songs. Props to Lane and Sabella, who are as silly and seemingly spontaneous as Timon and Pumbaa were at their best. Personally, my favorite moment is Irons, dressed in boho business attire, singing "Be Prepared" as dancers dressed as hyenas swarm the stage and trek out into the audience. But I've always loved a biting villain song. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Lebo M, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Jason Weaver, Ernie Sabella, Billy Eichner, Heather Headley, Bradley Gibson, North West, and Jennifer Hudson

How to watch: https://www.tranganhnam.xyz/2025/02/whats-new-to-stream-this-week-february.html