Lion King 2019: First teaser trailer released for new film
- Published
The first teaser trailer for Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King has been released.
Set to come out next summer, the film has huge names attached to it including Beyonce, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Seth Rogan.
In the trailer we see the familiar opening moments of the story, where Rafiki presents a young Simba to the animals of the Pride Lands.
It was aired during NFL's traditional Thanksgiving primetime game in the US.
Here's a hit of nostalgia for you:
Fans of the original film were pleased to hear the trailer narrated by James Earl Jones, who plays king Mufasa in both the 1994 original and next year's film.
#TheLionKing
— Tear (@Tearrr_) November 22, 2018
Me last year: “I have no interest in a live action lion king
when James Earl Jones started speaking in the trailer: pic.twitter.com/LJRbPO8atp
The trailer racked up more than 10 million views in less than 24 hours.
It suggests the new film is following the original story - although with Simba looking so clear in the trailer, some people are worried about what that means for his dad...
me watching simba in the lion king trailer vs me thinking about mufasa’s death in hd that we are going to see next summer pic.twitter.com/ptGGbSuA2l
— daddy stank (@woIvern) November 22, 2018
It's directed by Jon Favreau, who was behind the live-action remake of The Jungle Book.
Donald Glover will play Simba, Beyonce will play his love interest Nala and Chiwetel Ejiofor will play his uncle Scar.
"It is a director's dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life," Jon said.
#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt
— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017
But not everyone was pleased with the remake of The Jungle Book, and it looks like there are some people worried about Disney's latest attempt at re-creating a classic for a new audience.
I have such mixed feelings about The Lion King remake. My favourite film in the entire world and I’m so concerned the new version is absolutely awful.
— Alex ✨ (@_sowrongitsalex) November 22, 2018
As well as The Jungle Book, Disney remade Beauty and the Beast (with Emma Watson), and Aladdin is set to be released next year.
Is it just me or does anyone else think the CGI in these Disney remakes is going to age horribly?
— Lux Noctis (@TheLuxNoctis) November 23, 2018
Don't get me wrong, the new Lion King looks impressively detailed but we're definitely knee-deep in the uncanny valley. Beast from Beauty & the Beast looked awful from day one.
Are people going to get bored of seeing their favourite stories told again and again?
Isn’t it gonna be the same story? Same ending? I don’t get the hype. So now they gonna remake every animation? That’s just lazy
— ジエシー (@bevelandembosse) November 23, 2018
Last year Newsbeat spoke to the cast of London's Lion King musical about the new film.
And Janique Charles, who plays Nala in the West End, had some advice for Beyonce.
Beyoncé, here's some advice from the cast of The Lion King musical in London 🦁
— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) November 3, 2017
"Try not to outshine [the rest of the cast]" 🤔💅🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZN6jF5URku
Fan reaction to the new trailer has been largely positive, especially from young Americans who were watching during the football.
The Lion King trailer being released as millions of Millennials sit in their childhood bedrooms on Thanksgiving night, slightly drunk and vulnerable to nostalgia... someone give that marketing team a raise
— Nick Morrow (@NRMorrow) November 23, 2018
THIS IS SO
— La Zanzy ☕️ (@neveradamnjoy) November 22, 2018
ICONIC
POETIC
POWERFUL
INSPIRING
I HAVE NO WORDS! #TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/ZNNYd7XSbj
The film is set for release in July 2019.
- Published
- 18 November 2018
- Published
- 12 November 2018
- Published
- 18 October 2018