To many, staging THE LION KING seemed impossible. The epic conflict between lions worked beautifully in animated film - but on stage? But Walt Disney Chairman Michael Eisner and Disney Theatricals Producers Peter Schneider and Thomas Schumacher believed in the power of "THE LION KING's" story. They turned to Julie Taymor, a director and designer well known for mythical staging inspired by international theatrical forms. Taymor was excited by the challenge

"When I looked at the film ... I said to myself, what is working in this film for me? What's the most daunting challenge? That's what I like to do -- the sheer fact that it's very hard to do is a great challenge to me."