Thomas Schumacher, who led Disney Theatrical Group for decades, is leaving the company.

When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor.

From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer) round out the creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

Broadway actor Clifton Oliver, 47, who was best for his role in “The Lion King” on Broadway died from an undisclosed illness early Wednesday morning.

Discover a whole new world at this award-winning hit Broadway Musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Hailed by USA Today as “Pure Genie-Us,” ALADDIN features all your favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer). Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), this “Fabulous” and “Extravagant” (The New York Times) new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris). See why audiences and critics agree, ALADDIN is “Exactly What You Wish For!” (NBC-TV).

It was feast or famine at the Broadway box office as 2022 wound down, with eye-popping revenue for popular shows — including a staggering new Broadway record for “The Lion King” — not lifting all strugglers.

Kristin Chenoweth, Julie Taymor and Lin-Manuel Miranda welcomed back boisterous audiences to “Wicked,” “The Lion King” and “Hamilton” for the first time since the start of the pandemic, marking Tuesday as the unofficial return of Broadway.

Billie Eilish arrives at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – The Latest on the Grammy Awards (all times local):8:45 p.m.Billie Eillish has won the Grammy Award for record of the year for the second straight year. Beyoncé broke the record with her victory Sunday night for best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” surpassing the 27 Grammys won by Alison Krauss. DaBaby says he “feels like it’s going to touch everybody.”Ad— Marcela Isaza at the Grammy Awards (@misaza)___3:15 p.m.Brandi Carlile is excited to perform at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, even if there isn’t an audience. “Jojo Rabbit” and the “Joker” soundtrack also won Grammys in the segment of the show that awarded music created for visual media.

NEW YORK – The Walt Disney Co. will make a follow-up to the 2019 live-action “The Lion King,” with Barry Jenkins, the director of the Oscar-winning “Moonlight” and the James Baldwin adaptation “If Beale Street Could Talk,” set to direct. The new “Lion King” grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide, so a sequel was perhaps always likely. Less expected was a “Lion King” with Jenkins directing. The film, Disney said, will explore the mythology of “The Lion King,” including Mufasa's origin story. Disney didn't announce any further plot details or casting on the new “Lion King” project, which was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

Elton John is not happy about how his music was used in the new Lion King remake and he isn't keeping it to himself. "The new version of The Lion King was a huge disappointment to me, because I believe they messed the music up," John tells British GQ. Nonetheless, John explained in the new interview that he found the updated music lacking. I'm so happy that the right spirit for the music lives on with the 'Lion King' stage musical." RELATED CONTENT: Elton John Slams British Tabloids for 'Malicious' Treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Embed Code RestartDonald Glover Says the One Scary Thing About 'The Lion King' Was Singing With BeyonceBeyonce's Mom Tina Knowles Lawson Talks Blue Ivy Singing on 'The Lion King: The Gift' (Exclusive)John Oliver Says Beyonce Wasn't Actually There for Epic 'Lion King' Cast Photo

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend "The Lion King" European Premiere at Leicester Square on July 14, 2019, in London. CAPE TOWN, South Africa - In a few short hours, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will land in South Africa, the first stop on a jam-packed 10-day royal tour. Waiting for ArchieOnly a few images have been shared of baby Archie so far, but we are expecting him to appear at his first official engagement while in South Africa. We still don't know how much of Meghan we will see in South Africa while Prince Harry travels on to Botswana, Angola and Malawi. The unexpectedThere's only so much you can expect from a royal tour though, because the biggest moments are often the unexpected ones.

In a handwritten note on the site, Beyonce thanked her fans for their birthday love. In one precious shot from Halloween, the mother of three poses in her Lisa Bonet costume, holding one of her 2-year-old twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, in each arm. Beyonce.comThe little cuties also recently made a cameo in Beys ABC special, Beyonce Presents: Making The Gift, traveling with their famous parents and big sister, Blue Ivy Carter, to Africa. For more from Beyonce, watch the clip below:RELATED CONTENT:Beyonce Features Rare Look at Twins Rumi and Sir Carter on TV Special: Watch Rumi Talk! Beyonce's TV Special Takes Fans Inside the Studio for an Adorable Mother-Daughter Moment With Blue IvyTina Knowles Posts Emotional Message for Daughter Beyonce's 38th Birthday

Beyonce once again took fans inside her creative process with a new documentary special that revealed some heartwarming family moments. This special gave fans never-before-seen glimpses at the iconic performer's personal life, and a heartwarming, rare look at her adorable twins. "Blue Ivy just outsang a bunch of these artists in the game on Brown Skin Girl," one Twitter user wrote, celebrated the sweet moment shared between the famous celeb and her precious daughter. "When you're a mother, there's a love that you experience with your kids that's deeper than anything you can imagine. For more on Beyonce and Blue Ivy's epic collaboration for The Lion King: The Gift, check out the video below.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend "The Lion King" European Premiere at Leicester Square on July 14, 2019, in London. (CNN) - Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has wished her husband Prince Harry a happy 35th birthday with a message on Instagram, sharing a new photo of baby Archie. "Your service to the causes you care so deeply for inspires me every day. Happiest birthday!," the message, posted on the Sussex Royal account, reads. The birthday post is accompanied by a collection of photos of Prince Harry throughout his life, starting as a baby in his mother Princess Diana's arms and ending with a previously unseen photo of him with baby Archie and wife Meghan.

A new look at Lennon & Ono creating "Imagine," "The Lion King" breaks a billion, and Blue Ivy Carter hits the charts!

(CNN) - "The Lion King" is the latest Disney film to cross the $1 billion at the global box office. The Walt Disney Studio announced that the photo-realistic remake of the 1994 animated classic will hit $1 billion dollar at the worldwide box office on Tuesday, the 19th day of its release. Three other Disney productions have made $1 billion at the global box office this year: "Avengers: Endgame," "Captain Marvel" and Disney's live action remake of "Aladdin." This makes "The Lion King" Disney's fourth billion-dollar film of 2019, but it likely won't be the last. The last time Disney had four films cross the billion-dollar mark in one year was in 2016.

They were two young theater majors at Northwestern University, but Meghan Markle and Billy Eichners paths would eventually go in vastly different directions. While one went on to build a successful comedy and acting career before voicing Timon in the new The Lion King remake, the other put aside her acting career to marry Prince Harry -- then attend Eichners Lion King premiere as a royal! She said to me, Congrats on your career, and I said, Congrats on your career, and she said, Well, things took a little turn, Eichner said, bursting into hysterics. Billy also tells us about meeting Beyonce and his conversation with his Northwestern classmate turned Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle! RELATED CONTENT:'The Lion King' Exceeds All Expectations With Massive Opening WeekendBilly Eichner Says Beyonce Was 'Nervous' to Meet Meghan MarkleBeyonce Shares New Pics of Meeting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at London 'Lion King' Premiere

It turns out that dazzling photo of the entire Lion King cast was the result of some Photoshop magic. Oliver, a native Brit, also boldly stated that he considers Beyonce the "real queen" over Queen Elizabeth II. "If you have a choice between Beyonce and Queen Elizabeth II, is anyone, including Queen Elizabeth II, taking the second one?" And I was like, 'Hey, do you want to see The Lion King?' RELATED CONTENT:'The Lion King' Exceeds All Expectations With Massive Opening WeekendBilly Eichner Says Beyonce Was 'Nervous' to Meet Meghan Markle5 Lion King Secrets You Didnt Know About the 1994 Animated Classic

The Lion King reigned supreme over the weekend. The release of The Lion King was also bolstered by not one but two soundtracks, the second of which, The Lion King: The Gift, was created by Beyonce as a tribute to the films story and even features a performance from her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Even [with] the original Lion King people think of the funny stuff, but there's a big emotional roller coaster and with all the young kids, they were hanging in there." See more on The Lion King below. RELATED CONTENT:Beyonce Shares New Pics of Meeting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at London 'Lion King' PremiereBlue Ivy Makes Cameo in Beyonce's 'Spirit' Music VideoJonathan Taylor Thomas Is Adorable Talking About 'The Lion King' in 1994 (Flashback)

(CNN) - Disney's "The Lion King" blew past industry expectations with a huge box office opening this weekend. The film is the 9th highest-grossing opening ever, the biggest opening for the month of July and for a PG-rated film. The company has dominated the 2019 box office and now owns five of the top ten highest-grossing films of the year. "The Lion King" gave a much needed boost to the domestic box office, which has been struggling so far this year. Because of "The Lion King," this weekend's box office totals were up roughly 51% compared to the same weekend last year, according to Comscore.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Twenty-five years after the release of the original classic, The Lion King, is getting a live-action remake from Disney. To accompany the release of the 3D animated version of the movie, Grammy award-winning artist, Beyonc, has released a 14 track album titled 'The Lion King: The Gift'. Beyonce, who is also in the Lion King cast, has four solo songs on the album alongside collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and her daughter, Blu Ivy. Africans on social media are sharing positive reactions to the tracklist on the Lion King album. In 2018, The Black Panther soundtrack featured top South African artists like Babes Wodumo and Sjava, and the album was credited with putting a global spotlight on the South African music genre.

(CNN) - The US box office is struggling, but you wouldn't know it if you only looked at Disney's coffers. And this weekend, the windfall from the photorealistic reboot of "The Lion King" is going help Disney secure its perch at the top of the US box office. Analysts are expecting it to make around $150 million in the North American box office by Sunday. The domestic box office is down roughly 9% compared to this time last year. Much is riding on "The Lion King" to rule.

Beyonce is documenting her headline-making meeting with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The 37-year-old singer as well as her husband, JAY-Z, met Meghan and Harry at The Lion King premiere on Sunday, and on Wednesday, she took to Instagram to share pics of the moment. Beyonce shared a photo of her and Meghan beaming at one another, as well as one of Harry kissing her on her cheek. More moments that made Queen Bey's Instagram included embracing Elton John, posing with the Lion King cast and rocking an all-gold outfit at the after-party. It was the very first time, in fact, that either Meghan or Harry had met Beyonce.

During ABC's The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight primetime special with Robin Roberts on Tuesday, the singer exclusively dropped the music video for her new song, "Spirit," which is featured in Jon Favreau's upcoming remake of the classic Disney tale. "Spirit" is the first track off the compilation album Beyonc produced and curated as a musical ode to the film. with @RobinRoberts' special will feature the EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE of @Beyonce's music video for Spirit & an exclusive interview with the superstar! The live concert film was nominated for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded), Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special, Outstanding Costumes for a Variety (Non-Fiction or Reality Programming), Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special and Outstanding Music Direction. ET recently caught up with some of Beyonc's Lion King co-stars, who revealed what Blue Ivy thought of the film.

Included on the list are none other than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Also included on the newly released list are a number of hit-making performers like Ariana Grande, BTS and Lil Nas X. President Donald J. Trump once again made Times list for his massive social media presence as well. Over the weekend, Meghan and Harry attended the London premiere of The Lion King, where they had their fateful meeting with Beyonce and JAY-Z. RELATED CONTENT:Meghan Markle Admits to Pharrell Williams 'They Don't Make It Easy'Why 'The Lion King' Is Extra Special to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (Exclusive)Watch Billy Eichner Nervously Prepare to Meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at 'Lion King' Premiere

Beyonce couldn't be prouder of her work on The Lion King, and her accompanying album, The Lion King: The Gift! with @RobinRoberts' special will feature the EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE of @Beyonce's music video for Spirit & an exclusive interview with the superstar! Fans can look forward to the release of Beyonce's music video for the song, "The Spirit," during ABC's Lion King special on Tuesday evening. The Lion King: The Gift will be released on July 19, alongside the film. Check it out:RELATED CONTENT:Beyonce Steps Out in All Gold Outfit for 'Lion King' After-PartyHow Beyonce Broke Royal Protocol With Meghan Markle at 'Lion King' PremiereHere's What Beyonce and Meghan Markle Talked About at 'Lion King' Premiere

Meghan Markle had a revealing exchange with Pharrell Williams at The Lion King premiere in London, England, on Sunday. Meghan warmly replies, "Thank you, they don't make it easy." Meanwhile, ET also spoke to Pharrell at the premiere, and he explained why The Lion King is so special to him. Watch the video below for more on Meghan and Harry attending the premiere, including the moment the two met Beyonce and JAY-Z. RELATED CONTENT:Watch Billy Eichner Nervously Prepare to Meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at 'Lion King' PremiereIdris Elba Says Beyonce Was on Meghan Markle's Wedding Playlist (Exclusive)How Beyonce Broke Royal Protocol With Meghan Markle at 'Lion King' Premiere

It turns out Beyonce and JAY-Z disrupted royal securitys carefully laid plans at the Lion King premiere in London on Sunday. A source tells ET that the songstress and her husband, JAY-Z, breached royal protocol by arriving after Prince Harry and Meghan Meghan. The Lion King cast couldn't get over Meghan and Harry's appearance at the premiere. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images"Actually Meghan Markle and I went to the same college. RELATED CONTENT:Here's What Beyonce and Meghan Markle Talked About at 'Lion King' PremiereMeghan Markle and Beyonce Meet at 'Lion King' Premiere in LondonSerena Williams Appreciates 'Great Friend' Meghan Markle's Support at Wimbledon

Beyonce's co-stars are sharing what her daughter, Blue Ivy, thought of The Lion King! So, like, Ivy Blue was, like, narrating the movie," he explained to ETs Nischelle Turner when asked if his son got to meet Beyonce. "Blue Ivy] was like, 'Scar, like he's lying.' The Lion King arrives in theaters on July 19. RELATED CONTENT:'Lion King' Soundtrack Drops Featuring Beyonce and Donald Glover Singing 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight''The Lion King' Review: Beyonc, Donald Glover Bring Real Heart to Photoreal AnimalsMichelle Williams on What Beyonce's 'Lion King' Role Means for Her Daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi (Exclusive)

Tidal broke the news on social media, posting a sweet GIF of the films main characters, Simba (Glover) and Nala (Beyonce) nuzzling on a hilltop. And I was like, 'Hey, do you want to see The Lion King?' And he said, 'Yeah, Beyonce's is in it, right?' The Lion King roars into theaters on July 19. RELATED CONTENT:'The Lion King' Review: Beyonc, Donald Glover Bring Real Heart to Photoreal AnimalsDonald Glover Says His Son Was Excited to See 'Lion King' Because of Beyonce (Exclusive)Michelle Williams on What Beyonce's 'Lion King' Role Means for Her Daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi (Exclusive)

Then the voices coming from the lions' mouths switch to Donald Glover and Beyonc, and it takes a second again. Gone is the cartoonish emoting of the animated lions, as real lions don't exactly emote, aside from the occasional snarl. I don't need to tell you, reader, the plot of The Lion King; I would sooner assume someone didn't know the plot of Hamlet. This Lion King isn't as dissimilar as, say, Dumbo, or even Aladdin, but it's certainly not a shot-for-shot recreation, either. RELATED CONTENT:Donald Glover Says Beyonc Is the Real Reason His Son Is Excited to See 'The Lion King' (Exclusive)Michelle Williams on What Beyonc's 'Lion King' Role Means for Her Daughters (Exclusive)Listen to Beyonce and Donald Glover Duet on 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' From 'Lion King'

It was a family affair at The Lion King premiere. The "Who Run the World" songstress, who voices the character of Nala in the movie, arrived to the red carpet with her 7-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy. Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesTracy Morgan was all smiles with his wife, Megan Wollover, daughter Maven Sonae Morgan and family. Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesKevin Winter/Getty ImagesThe Lion King arrives in theaters on July 19. RELATED CONTENT:Donald Glover Says His Son Was Excited to See 'Lion King' Because of Beyonce (Exclusive)Michelle Williams on What Beyonce's 'Lion King' Role Means for Her Daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi (Exclusive)Beyonce and Blue Ivy Shut Down 'Lion King' Premiere in Fierce Matching Outfits

Beyonce and her daughter, Blue Ivy, shut down the red carpet at the Lion King premiere at Dolby Theatre on July 9 in Hollywood on Tuesday. The Lion King: The Gift, an album featuring global artists & steeped in the sounds of Africa, produced & curated by @Beyonce Knowles-Carter, will release 7/19. Spirit, the single from the album & soundtrack for The Lion King, will be available tonight. https://t.co/IbMpQvJ97Upic.twitter.com/AA7Fxl7hb7 The Lion King (@disneylionking) July 9, 2019The Lion King arrives in theaters on July 19. RELATED CONTENT:Disney Releases Brand New 'Lion King' Cast Photo Featuring Beyonce and Donald GloverBeyonce and Other 'Lion King' Stars Come Face-to-Face With Their Characters'The Lion King' Soundtrack Revealed -- Here's What Beyonce Sings!

Disney announced on Tuesday that the musician has produced and curated a new album titled The Lion King: The Gift, which will drop on July 19 ahead of the films release. The album will feature global artists and be steeped into the sounds of Africa, according a post on the films Twitter account. Spirit, the single from the album & soundtrack for The Lion King, will be available tonight. See more on The Lion King below. RELATED CONTENT:Disney Releases Brand New 'Lion King' Cast Photo Featuring Beyonce and Donald GloverMeghan Markle Expected to Make First Red Carpet Appearance Since Giving Birth at 'Lion King' Premiere'The Lion King' Turns 25!

The cast of the upcoming remake of The Lion King recently assembled to take a group photo for the ages. While stars like Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, John Oliver and Keegan-Michael Key skirt the photos edges, Donald Glover and Beyonce (who play Simba and Nala, respectively) are front and center. Included is a clip showing Rogen (Pumbaa, the warthog) and Eichner (Timon, the meerkat) singing "Hakuna Matata" with Glover. The Lion King arrives in theaters on July 19. RELATED CONTENT:Beyonce and Other 'Lion King' Stars Come Face-to-Face With Their CharactersTina Lawson Shares Video of Daughter Beyonce's Real Waist-Length Hair'The Lion King' Soundtrack Revealed -- Here's What Beyonce Sings!

Beyonce, Donald Glover and The Lion King cast members are meeting their ferocious on-screen alter egos in a new series of dazzling portraits. "The reason that Lion King has endured because the inspiration that were getting from it is universal," Key explains as breathtaking shots from the film play. The Lion King roars its way into theaters on July 19. RELATED CONTENT:'The Lion King' Turns 25! Matthew Broderick on Why He Didn't Sing (Flashback)'The Lion King' Soundtrack Revealed -- Here's What Beyonce Sings!