Jon Favreau’s remake of “The Lion King” is undoubtedly one of Disney’s biggest releases of the year. Naturally, this has led the company to shell out big time for the film’s ad campaign. While some may suggest that people don’t need to be convinced to see the beloved animated classic brought to life, Disney is taking no chances.

According to Variety, Disney has spent the most of any studio on commercial time for “The Lion King” through Sunday, July 21. Roughly 1290 ads are expected to play this weekend across 43 networks, amounting to around $5.6 million dollars in media costs. Furthermore, Disney has prioritized ads during family-friendly and widely-viewed programming, specifically on Nickelodeon, ABC and NBC and during “Spongebob,” “Big Brother,” and MLB baseball. This ensures that the film will hit with its primary audience while also gaining exposure across almost every demographic.

In a close second for commercial spending this week is Universal for “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” with $5.51 million. The spin-off, which doesn’t release until Aug. 2, will air 919 ads across 40 networks.

Despite mixed early reviews, “The Lion King” is expected to rule the weekend box office with a $150-180 million opening gross and possibly claim the all-time July opening record. Estimated to cost $260 million, the photo-realistic remake features a star-studded ensemble voice cast, including Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth Rogen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Disney will release “The Lion King” in North America on July 19.

Lion King Ad Spending
"The Lion King" will air more commercials than any other major studio release over its release weekend. Disney
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