Disney dropped the teaser trailer for their highly anticipated live-action remake of The Lion King Thursday to wide amusement. Directed by Jon Favreau, who also helmed 2016s live-action remake of The Jungle Book. The 1994 animated film is a Disney fan-favorite, and the remake has already made headlines for its all-star cast, which boasts Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, and Beyoncé in starring roles.
The 1994 Disney animated classic, which tells the story of Simba, a young lion, is based loosely on Shakespeares Hamlet. The teaser for the live-action film draws on the nostalgia of its eagerly awaiting audience. Its a shot by shot remake of the original trailer, which Lights, Camera, Pod helpfully pointed out on Twitter.
Not only does it recreate the most memorable scene—Simbas anointment—but it also has the small details down, from the flocks of birds flying in the sky to a gorgeous sunrise.
Doesnt that take us back to the days of Disneys VHS jewel boxes? The trailer plays up its contemporary relevance—that all-star cast and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter! But it sneakily draws on the nostalgia factor by foregrounding James Earl Joness return to the franchise. He narrates the trailer and returns to his original role of Mufasa, Simbas father. Joness velvety voice was an iconic aspect of the original film and his voiceover announces Disneys intention to appeal to the same audience. Get ready for Summer 2019, when Glover as Simba and Beyoncé as Nala will help recreate some of those childhood memories.
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