Disney has finally dropped a first look at the much-anticipated live-action remake of The Lion King. The teaser trailer gives us 90 seconds of footage from the film, depicting the iconic moment that Rafiki (John Kani) introduces the future king, Simba (Donald Glover), to the animals of the African savanna.
“Everything the light touches is our kingdom. But a king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun,” comes Mufasa’s (James Earl Jones, reprising his role from the original animated film) wise words in the trailer.
“One day, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king.”
The familiar story is set in the African savanna, where a future king must overcome betrayal and tragedy to assume his rightful place on Pride Rock.
Directed by Jon Favreau, The Lion King also features an all-star cast, with Glover being joined by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, while JD McCrary voices Young Simba, who just can’t wait to be king.
John Oliver will play Mufasa’s loyal confidant Zazu, with Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen taking on the iconic roles of Timon and Pumbaa too.
Based on the classic 1994 Disney animation, the film will also see the return of legendary musician Sir Elton John and his original collaborator Tim Rice to work on some new music for the project.
As at last check, the official trailer has attracted over 40,000,000 views and the animation is expected to hit cinemas across the world on July 19, 2019.
