"A film like this, you feel a sense of responsibility to the original filmmakers, you feel a sense of responsibility to the fans who grew up with it, you feel a responsibility to new audiences who are seeing it, to the cast that trusts you," Favreau said Thursday.
"So this was a film where there was more pressure than I've ever felt before."
Favreau said the filmmakers behind the original 1994 Lion King attended the premiere and seemed to like his version, which was a relief.
Favreau's The Lion King, which features photo-realistic graphics, is set to arrive in theaters on July 19.
Donald Glover, Beyonce, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Eric Andre, Florence Kasumba, JD McCrary and Shahadi Wright Joseph star.
Favreau also discussed his upcoming Star Wars television series, The Mandalorian, which will stream on Disney+ in November.
"It's after Return of the Jedi, so the empire is gone and all hell is breaking loose in the outer rim," Favreau said about the show, which follows the adventures of a bounty hunter.
"Once you take out the rule of law, what happens? Chaos takes over," he said.
Beyonce, Donald Glover attend 'The Lion King' premiere
Beyonce, the voice of Nala. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Donald Glover, the voice of Simba. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Chiwetel Ejiofor, the voice of Scar. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Eric Andre, the voice of Azizi. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Seth Rogen, the voice of Pumbaa. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Keegan-Michael Key (L), the voice of Kamari in the film, and his wife, Elisa Pugliese, attend the premiere. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Shahadi Wright Joseph, the voice of Young Nala. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
JD McCrary, the voice of Young Simba. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Florence Kasumba, the voice of Shenzi. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Alfre Woodard, the voice of Sarabi. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Billy Eichner, the voice of Timon. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
John Kani (R), the voice of Rafiki, and his wife, Mandi Kani, attend the premiere. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Musician Chance The Rapper (C) attends the premiere of the film with his wife, Kirsten Corley (L), and their daughter, Kensli Bennett. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Singer Meghan Trainor (R) and her husband, actor Daryl Sabara of "Spy Kids," attend the premiere. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Actresses Zooey Deschanel (L) of "New Girl" and Emily Deschanel of "Bones" attend the premiere. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
