Disney has released the first trailer for the much-anticipated remake of The Lion King —and we are here for all of it!
Viewers first got a glimpse of the teaser while watching Thanksgiving NFL games on Thursday. In the trailer, we are re-introduced to Pride Rock, the birthplace of the beloved Simba, as the classic “Circle of Life” plays in the background.
Directed by Jon Favreau, the full cast of the remake of the award-winning 1994 film includes Beyoncé as Nala; Donald Glover as Simba; James Earl Jones, who will be reprising his role, as Mufasa; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar; Alfre Woodard as Sarabi; John Oliver as Zazu; and Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon.
Favreau’s remake of The Jungle Book in 2016 won an Oscar for its visual effects and took nearly $1 billion at the worldwide box office. The Lion King is expected to pull similar numbers.
Disney’s 1994 cartoon is the ninth-highest-grossing animated film of all time and won much praise for its score by Elton John and Tim Rice. Beyoncé is reportedly working with John on new versions of classic Lion King songs for the forthcoming remake.
The movie is out summer 2019. We cannot wait!