The Lion King: Disney reveals first full-length trailer

The Lion King trailer gives fans first glimpse of villain Scar, stunning scenery of Africa and some talking wildlife

Mufasa and Simba in The Lion King. Photograph: Disney
Mufasa and Simba in The Lion King. Photograph: Disney

With stunning scenery of Africa and some talking wildlife, Disney dropped its first full-length trailer for its realistic-looking remake of The Lion King on Wednesday, offering a glimpse of the highly anticipated film.

The new movie, made with computer-generated imagery, follows the plot of the Oscar-winning 1994 animation about lion cub Simba, who flees his kingdom after his villainous uncle Scar connives to take his father Mufasa’s place as king.

It boasts a voice cast that includes pop star Beyonce and actors Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen and James Earl Jones, who voiced Mufasa in the 1994 version.

The villainous Scar in The Lion King. Photograph: Disney
The villainous Scar in The Lion King. Photograph: Disney

Counting down 100 days until the film’s July release, the trailer begins with Scar, surrounded by hyenas, telling Simba: “Life’s not fair, is it, my little friend? While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark, begging for scraps.”

READ MORE
The official trailer for the remake of The Lion King, starring Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen and James Earl Jones has been released. Video: Walt Disney Studios

Under two minutes long, it shows off the Pride Rock setting, with glimpses of Simba’s childhood friend and love interest Nala, as well as new pals Timon and Pumbaa. As well as Scar, Mufasa’s voice is also heard in the trailer.

The Lion King was an instant hit with audiences around the world when it was released, and a hugely successful musical theatre version still runs on New York’s Broadway and in London.

The film is the latest Disney remake to hit screens this year. It is directed by Jon Favreau, who was behind the 2016 remake of The Jungle Book. – Reuters