New 'Lion King' to hit Chinese cinemas Friday

The new live action remake of "The Lion King," known as Shi Zi Wang in Chinese, is set to hit cinemas on the Chinese mainland Friday.

Director Jon Favreau attends at press conference to promote his latest film 'The Lion King' at St. Regis Hotel in Mexico City, Mexico on June 24, 2019. [Photo:IC]

The American musical drama tells of a young lion prince fleeing his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery after his father's murder.

Filmgoers on the Chinese mainland will be the first to see the new "Lion King," with the film's U.S. premiere to take place seven days later, on July 19.

The original 1994 movie was screened in China in July 1995, more than one year later than in the United States.

(Story includes material sourced from AP)