I can’t staunchly defend this movie. I don’t feel it is needed either. It is more a case of were getting it so I hope it is at least good. Which it very well could be. I didn’t think it was necessary to change the names either, but I’m looking for positive angles to look at it from.

But it has to step on the original’s paws since it is a remake. I still think that this film is still a mistake since there really isn’t anything that needs to be improved from the original. It does have to be unique in its own way and also has to stay true to the original but the name changes are odd. I guess Ed was too american of a name but it does imply the dull intelligence of the character which Azizi does not (and I know it translate to something to the effect). The name just doesn’t sound dumb out side of Africa. And to change Banzai’s name is completely mental. It is Swahili for skulk or lurk which worked just fine. It is useless changes like these that makes me question the quality of the upcoming movie. I don’t care if the cast makes sense or not. The story is the most important part of the film and a remake needs good changes and not weird ones. Sorry but these changes are dumb and you can’t tell me otherwise.

However, I didn’t like Beauty and the Beast at all because I thought it was just a carbon copy with some random changes that didn’t go anywhere (like Belle being an inventor. They made a huge deal out of that during press and then it was barely mentioned in the film). So, I’m a little worried that the success of the original Lion King will mean they’re reluctant to change too much. I grew up with the original and have a ton of nostalgia for it, but it’ll always be around for us to go back to. If they’re going to do a remake, then I hope they really go for it and make some substantial changes which create a new experience for us.

The other positive I see from this is that it firmly establishes This remake as being it’s own continuity. I don’t have to worry about this remake stepping on The originals paws.

It’s based on Hamlet.