Arts & Entertainment

WATCH: Disney's 'The Lion King' Live-Action Movie Trailer Drops

Get your first look at Disney's live-action retelling of "The Lion King" and see how Simba, Rafiki and Pride Rock compare to the original.

Disney has dropped the first official teaser trailer for their upcoming live-action version of "The Lion King." This Thanksgiving miracle gives a look at what Simba, Rafiki and the landscape of Pride Rock will look like in the highly anticipated update.

"The Lion King" first stole the heart of viewers in 1994 with its heart-wrenching story and catchy soundtrack penned by music legends Tim Rice and Elton John. Since then, the animated tale has spawned a highly successfully broadway run, been remastered in various editions and is easily considered the highlight of not only the Disney Renaissance, but of the entire canon.

The Mouse House has been dropping teasers left and right lately, as "The Lion King" follows a string of first-looks from Disney's upcoming live-action movie slate. Earlier this month fans were treated at a peak of Tim Burton's vision for "Dumbo" as well as a taste for Guy Ritchie's spin on "Aladdin," only a few weeks earlier. Not to mention, two teasers for "Toy Story 4" came out quietly in the fold.

Comprised of a star-studded cast led by the likes of Donald Glover as Simba and Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala,"The Lion King" live-action retelling is a sure bet for box office gold.


WATCH: First Official Teaser Trailer for Disney's "The Lion King" (2019)

Yes — that familiar voice you hear through out the teaser is James Earl Jones returning as Pride Rock patriarch Mufasa.

Check out our side-by-side breakdown showing just how the new live-action update fares to it's stunning 1994 animated predecessor.


"The Lion King" (2019) Movie Photos

See side-by-side comparisons to the 1994 animated classic:

Walt Disney Studios

The teaser trailer stays true to the original opening sequence of the 1994 animated hit, as the familiar sunrise over Pride Rock is recreated in live-action version.


Walt Disney Studios

All of the animals rush over to welcome newborn prince Simba.


Walt Disney Studios

Walt Disney Studios

Simba places his paw in the imprint of his father's print.


Walt Disney Studios

The teaser also offers a clear shot of our live-action Rafiki, played by John Kani. Just like the in the original animated feature, everyone's favorite baboon is shown greeting Mufasa as he wipes red paint across newborn Simba's forehead.


Walt Disney Studios

First look at baby Simba in Disney's live-action retelling of "The Lion King."


Walt Disney Studios

Disney's "The Lion King" 1994 animated feature versus the upcoming 2019 live-action version.


Walt Disney Studios

Disney's "The Lion King" 1994 animated feature versus the upcoming 2019 live-action version.


Walt Disney Studios
Another look at baby Simba in Disney's live-action retelling of "The Lion King."


Walt Disney Studios

The animals of Pride Rock bow in honor of welcoming Simba to the circle of life.


Walt Disney Studios

Fans get another glimpse back at the familiar landscape of Pride Rock.


Walt Disney Studios

The trailer ends with Simba roaring at the stars, presumably in the film's final act when the runaway realizes his destiny as King of Pride Rock.


The Cast

Jon Favreau, the film's director, tweeted out the star-studded cast for the upcoming retelling of Disney's "The Lion King" back in 2017.


First Official Teaser Poster

The first official teaser poster for Disney's upcoming live-action version of "The Lion King," out in theaters July 19, 2019.


Let us know what you think!

Lead images by Walt Disney Studios

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