Disney has released a new trailer forJon Favreau’s “live-action” adaptation ofThe Lion King. It’s tough to go so far as to call this truly live-action since the whole movie is animated, but it’s animated to appear lifelike. But judging by the trailer, it’s still largely the story we know and love—young Simba (Donald Glover), fooled by his uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) into thinking he’s responsible for the death of his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones), runs away only to return ready to assume the throne and restore the circle of life.
I’m eager to see what kind of changes Favreau has made to the narrative, or if this movie will hold close to the animated film. We’ve seen that Disney doesn’t mind changing up the narrative a bit for their live-action features, and even Mufasa’s speech here in this trailer has been beefed up a bit to talk about the evils of taking from the world and giving nothing back. Nevertheless, the animation is stunning, and given the nostalgia factor, I wouldn’t be surprised ifThe Lion Kingends up as the highest grossing film of 2019.
Check out the newThe Lion Kingtrailer below. The film opens July 19th and features the voices ofDonald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, withBeyoncé Knowles-CarterandJames Earl Jones.
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Lion King:
Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau (“The Jungle Book”), 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.
