THE LION KING Concert Special Roars Onto Disney+ In February

If you’ve been humming Circle of Life since childhood—or ever shed a tear during that famously heart-wrenching stampede scene—get ready for another wave of Disney magic. A brand-new THE LION KING concert special, recorded live at the Hollywood Bowl last year, is making its way to Disney+ next month. This one-off event merges full orchestral sound, dazzling visuals, and some iconic talent for a fresh reimagining of the beloved story.

From 7 February 2025, fans of the classic film and Broadway juggernaut can stream this highly anticipated concert event—featuring not just the signature songs and swirling African-inspired rhythms, but also Broadway-level costumes, puppetry, and appearances by original voice cast members. If the trailer or any sneak-peeks are anything to go by, this special aims to capture the raw emotional power of THE LION KING, while giving audiences a chance to see the music and artistry up close in a unique new format.

A Concert Unlike Any Other

So what makes this version of THE LION KING stand out from the many revivals and tributes that have come before it? To start, it was filmed live at the Hollywood Bowl, known for its massive outdoor amphitheatre setting that often houses full orchestras, pop superstars, and everything in between. On this occasion, they pulled out all the stops: a 70-person orchestra, elaborate stage projection mapping, and intricate choreography performed right there in the open air.

Adding to the concert’s sense of pageantry are the costumes and puppetry synonymous with the Broadway adaptation. While the animated 1994 film still holds a special place in countless hearts, the stage version introduced a more tactile, human element. With those iconic headdresses, vibrant fabrics, and cleverly designed animal puppets, viewers get a fusion of live performance artistry and cinematic nostalgia. In short, it’s the best of both worlds—and it’s likely to please purists and newcomers alike.

All-Star Appearances

Let’s face it, part of THE LION KING’s magic lies in its unforgettable characters—and the vocal talent behind them. If you were of an age to see the original 1994 film in cinemas, you’ll recall the sheer delight of hearing comedic duo Timon and Pumbaa, or the regal menace of Jeremy Irons as Scar. The Hollywood Bowl concert special doesn’t disappoint on that front, bringing in a mix of original cast members and Broadway stalwarts.

• Jeremy Irons, the voice of Scar, steps back onto the Pride Lands stage to lend that trademark growl to his scenes.
• Nathan Lane (Timon) and Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa) reprise their comedic partnership.
• Jason Weaver, who provided young Simba’s singing voice in the film, returns to belt out the tunes that made the character so endearing.
• Billy Eichner, known for voicing Timon in the 2019 live-action remake, makes an appearance, bridging multiple eras of THE LION KING’s evolution.
• Heather Headley and Bradley Gibson, both lauded for their roles in the Broadway show, add powerful vocals and stage prowess to the mix.
• Lebo M, the composer who contributed his haunting African chants to the original soundtrack, sets the tone once again with his distinctive musical flair.
• North West, a surprise addition to the star-studded cast, and Jennifer Hudson—adding her signature powerhouse vocals—round out a spectacular line-up.

Some of these performers, like Irons and Lane, were part of the 1990s phenomenon that made THE LION KING a cultural touchstone, while others came aboard in later adaptations. Their collaboration in a single event feels like a reunion that crosses generations—perfectly aligned with the show’s 30th anniversary celebration.

A High-Tech Spectacle

While the music and cast might be the biggest draws, the production values here are not to be overlooked. Disney Concerts and Fulwell 73 Productions (along with AMP Worldwide and Live Nation-Hewitt Silva) have jointly produced the concert, which uses massive LED screens, projection mapping, and advanced lighting technology to heighten the visual storytelling. You can expect African savannah scenery to morph in sync with the music, immersing viewers in the story like never before.

Gabe Turner and Sally Wood served as creative showrunners, orchestrating the various design elements and star performances. Paul Dugdale (known for filming major live events and concerts) directs, ensuring the cameras capture not just the onstage action, but the emotive crowd reactions that give events at the Hollywood Bowl their distinctive energy. The set design itself, crafted by Misty Buckley, frames each song in a way that’s both theatrical and cinematic—showing that musicals can shine well beyond the conventional indoor theatre setting.

A Long-Standing Theatrical Legacy

It’s not just the film that’s celebrating: THE LION KING stage production recently marked 25 years in London’s West End, where it continues to attract sell-out audiences at the Lyceum Theatre. That run has made it one of the most enduring and successful musicals in modern history—a testament to the show’s universal themes of family, identity, and the circle of life. In fact, according to box-office data from the Society of London Theatre, the West End version remains one of the top draws year after year, pulling in visitors from around the globe.

Why does it resonate so profoundly? Perhaps it’s that the story carries a mythic quality, blending classic hero’s journey tropes with heartfelt lessons about tradition and responsibility. Or maybe it’s the infectious rhythms and lush score by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, woven together with African musical influences by Lebo M. If you ask any longtime theatre enthusiast, they’ll say part of the show’s allure is how it pioneered a new kind of stage language with puppetry and stylised costume design. It’s a spectacle that feels epic yet personal, a fusion rarely matched in the musical theatre realm.

The Power Of Live-To-Film Concerts

A distinct element of the Hollywood Bowl event is its “live-to-film” format, which invites audiences to experience the film’s visuals or story on a big screen while a live orchestra plays in real-time. This model has proven popular with film classics like Harry Potter or Star Wars, because it adds a fresh layer of immersion to well-loved material. You’re no longer just watching a film on a screen—you’re enveloped by the music, hearing the nuances that might otherwise get lost in a standard cinema soundtrack.

For THE LION KING, which is beloved for its emotionally charged score and songs like Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and Hakuna Matata, having a 70-piece orchestra perform these pieces live elevates the experience to a communal celebration. The synergy of big-screen visuals, world-class musical talent, and a live audience’s energy can be electrifying.

Embracing Diversity On Stage

One of the concert’s standout aspects is its diverse line-up of performers, reflecting how THE LION KING has always embraced a culturally rich creative approach. From its original inception, the story’s African setting has served as a canvas for honouring African languages, musical forms, and design motifs. The presence of Lebo M in any LION KING production ensures authenticity in the choral arrangements, while cast members representing various ethnic backgrounds infuse each performance with fresh perspectives.

That commitment to diversity is particularly resonant today, as theatrical productions and film studios are being called upon to accurately and respectfully represent global cultures. Whether in Australia—where theatre companies are increasingly turning to Indigenous traditions for inspiration—or in the UK’s West End, where more inclusive casting has become a priority, the move toward cultural accuracy resonates with audiences who seek stories that honour their origins. THE LION KING sets a high bar in that respect, and the Hollywood Bowl concert cements its place as a beacon of inclusive entertainment.

Ready To Roar On Disney+

Mark your calendars for 7 February 2025. Whether you’re an adult looking to revisit a childhood favourite, a theatre buff curious about blending live performance with animation, or someone who simply adores iconic Disney musicals, this THE LION KING concert special is sure to check all the boxes. By landing on Disney+, it offers the best seats in the house from the comfort of your home—no flight to Los Angeles needed. It’s a testament to how streaming platforms have made big events more accessible, especially for those who’d love to see the grandeur of the Hollywood Bowl but can’t make the trip in person.

With a guest roster boasting luminaries from the animated film, stage, and even modern celebrities like North West and Jennifer Hudson, the show transcends generational boundaries. And for viewers who already know every lyric by heart, there’s still plenty to discover in the new sets, the lively arrangements, and the sense of celebration around THE LION KING’s 30th anniversary.

Ultimately, what makes THE LION KING endure is the sense of interconnection it inspires—between humans and nature, between children and parents, and across cultural divides. The Hollywood Bowl concert captures that spirit for a new era, melding cutting-edge tech with tried-and-true artistry. As it roars onto Disney+ this February, fans can look forward to another chance to cry, laugh, and sing along to the tunes that have defined multiple generations.

If you can’t make it to the West End or a live theatre in your area, this streamed concert might be your best bet for experiencing the show’s magic afresh—or sharing it with a new generation. The best part is, you don’t even have to queue for a ticket; you just need your Disney+ login and a willingness to step into the Pride Lands once again. Given the production’s legacy and its commitment to innovation, it’s safe to say that even after three decades, THE LION KING still has plenty of life left in its mighty roar.