Hakuna Matata!
Disney has released the first full-length trailer for the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King, due in theaters this summer.
Jon Favreau, who helmed the successful live-action The Jungle Book, is once again on directing duties.
Practically every Lion King character fans have come to love since the animated film was released in 1994 make an appearance in the trailer. Zazu (John Oliver), Simba (Donald Glover), Nala (Beyoncé), Rafiki (John Kani), and Sarabi (Alfre Woodard) all show up on the savannah.
“While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give,” we hear James Earl Jones (reprising his role as Mufasa) tell young Simba as father and son look out over their animal kingdom from Pride Rock.
The new live-action film not only includes dialogue and songs from the award-winning animated feature, but Favreau also recreates some of the most famous scenes from the original shot by shot.
Side-by-side of the famous clip of Simba growing up in the 2019 'The Lion King' vs. the original 1994 movie. #TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/nMY0fCm6Li
— Lights, Camera, Barstool (@LightsCameraPod) April 10, 2019
The official synopsis reads:
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.
One of the highlights of the trailer is a few moments near the end as Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner) offer up the first few notes of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Disney’s The Lion King roars into theaters July 19, 2019.
