On Saturday, Disney debuted its first glimpse at footage from the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King. About seven thousand people at the D23, Disney‘s biennial fan convention in Anaheim, California, got to see the preview.
The footage featured photo-real shots of African landscapes and a variety of animals, and ended with the iconic moment in which Rafiki introduces a young Simba on Pride Rock as Elton’s Circle of Life plays.
“We love this movie, and we are working hard,” said director Jon Favreau.
As previously divulged, the film will star Donald Glover as young cub-turned-king Simba and James Earl Jones reprising his role from the 1994 classic as Mufasa. Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner play Timon and Pumbaa, with John Oliver newly announced as Zazu.
It’s expected to be released on July 19, 2019.
