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Jon Favreau to direct live-action/animated 'Lion King' movie

By Karen Butler
Director Jon Favreau attends the premiere of "The Jungle Book" in Los Angeles on April 4, 2016. Favreau is set to helm a new version of "The Lion King." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 2 | Director Jon Favreau attends the premiere of "The Jungle Book" in Los Angeles on April 4, 2016. Favreau is set to helm a new version of "The Lion King." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The Jungle Book and Iron Man director Jon Favreau is set to helm a new big-screen version of The Lion King.

"Excited for my next project," Favreau said in a Facebook post Wednesday.

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"We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of The Lion King on the fast track to production," the company said Wednesday. "The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide." 

The live-action and animation hybrid re-make of The Lion King will include songs from the beloved 1994 animated movie, which was adapted in 1997 as a Tony-winning stage musical still running on Broadway. Productions of the show are being performed around the world, as well.

Disney and Favreau are also collaborating on a sequel to The Jungle Book.

Release dates for the films have not been announced yet. 

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