Robin Roberts Hosts ABC News Special Celebrating the Timeless Appeal of 'The Lion King' With Cast Interviews and Exclusive Unreleased Scene From the New Film

'The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight with Robin Roberts' Airs Tuesday, July 16 (8:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC

Special Is Co-Produced by Rock'n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions

Robin Roberts and ABC News will bring viewers into the heart of "The Lion King"'s timeless appeal and capture the excitement of the highly anticipated new film with the prime-time special "The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight with Robin Roberts." Airing Tuesday, July 16 (8:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, the one-hour special hosted and co-executive produced by Robin Roberts features interviews with cast and crew, special behind-the-scenes footage and the debut of an exclusive unreleased scene from the new movie. Since "The Lion King"'s 1994 debut as an animated feature film, its universal themes have resonated with audiences around the world and has a fixed place in popular culture. Director Jon Favreau brings the beloved characters to the big screen in a whole new way in the 2019 version, which opens July 19. The special is a co-production between Roberts' Rock'n Robin Productions and ABC News' Lincoln Square Productions.

"The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight with Robin Roberts" will explore the enduring universal appeal of "The Lion King" franchise, tap into its past and how it came to be, and offer a glimpse into its future. Roberts speaks with director Jon Favreau and gets an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to the studios where the new film is being mixed. The special will also feature interviews with members of the new film's all-star cast, including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor. They discuss the film's impact on their lives and what it means for them now to be a part of the global phenomenon. Also paying tribute to the iconic Disney story and its 25-year legacy are original voice actors Whoopi Goldberg, Matthew Broderick and Jeremy Irons, as well as Elton John, who co-wrote (with Tim Rice) and performed songs in the original film (including "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" for which they won the Oscar(R)) and contributes to the new film.

"The legacy of 'The Lion King' is absolutely incredible, and I'm excited to give fans a special look at this iconic film," says Roberts. "It's a dazzling glimpse into what it takes to bring 'The Lion King' to life in its many forms and how meaningful it has become for the cast members of both the original and new film, as well as Broadway and music legends."

"The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight with Robin Roberts" is executive produced by Robin Roberts and John R. Green for Rock'n Robin Productions and ABC News. The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.

ABOUT LINCOLN SQUARE PRODUCTIONS

ABC News' Lincoln Square Productions produces original content for broadcast, cable and digital distribution specializing in compelling ways to tell fact-based stories, including ABC's "What Would You Do? and "In An Instant," the thought-provoking docu-series "The Last Defense" from Viola Davis, John Ridley's critically acclaimed documentary on the LA Riots "Let It Fall," the "Madoff" miniseries starring Richard Dreyfuss, the "Oscars(R) Opening Ceremony: Live From the Red Carpet" and Investigation Discovery's "Barbara Walters Presents," as well as documentary programming for a wide array of partners, including PBS, Discovery Communications and A & E Networks. Lincoln Square Productions is wholly-owned by the American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. and is a part of ABC News' Long Form programming unit, which includes "20/20," "Truth and Lies" and "Nightline." The headquarters are located in New York City's Lincoln Square neighborhood.

ABOUT ROCK'N ROBIN PRODUCTIONS

Rock'n Robin Productions is a full-service broadcast and digital production company that creates new and exciting programming for network, cable and online audiences. From documentaries and news-driven specials to entertainment and sports programming, short-form digital series and live special events, Rock'n Robin Productions produces virtually every type of show. Robin Roberts serves as the company's president and is the driving force behind much of its programming.

ABOUT "THE LION KING"

Disney's "The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother - and former heir to the throne - has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney's "The Lion King" roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.