Disney surprised everyone for Thanksgiving with a first look at their upcoming live-action remake ofThe Lion King. The first trailer and poster dropped today, showing what looks like a scene-for-scene recreation of the classic 1994 animated adventure. Directed by Jon Favreau, this beautiful CGI-animated retelling will be in theaters July 28, 2025.
FromDisneyLive Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-newThe Lion Kingjourneys to the African savanna where a future king must overcome betrayal and tragedy to assume his rightful place on Pride Rock. The teaser recreates the opening scene from the originalLion Kingalmost beat for beat withRafiki lifting baby Simbaon Pride Rock, showing the youngster off to the rest of the animal kingdom. As this plays out, we get to hear James Earl Jones, who returns from the original to reprise his role as Simba’s loving and wise father Mufasa, providing narration for the trailer.
Lions will rule the African savanna this summer whenDonald Glover takes on the role of the future king Simba. We don’t get to hear him in the trailer, but we do get a quick rundown of everyone involved with bringing Jon Farveau’s new take on this tale to life.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Dreamgirls) will playSimba’s friend-turned-love interest Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor (Twelve Years a Slave,Doctor Strange) will play Simba’s villainous uncle Scar, and Alfre Woodard (Juanita, Marvel’sLuke Cage) is along for the ride as Simba’s no-nonsense mother, Sarabi.
JD McCrary (Tyler Perry’sThe Paynes,Vital Signs) will play Young Simba in the first part of the movie, showing off a confident cub who’s ready to be king. Shahadi Wright Joseph (Hairspray Live, Broadway’sThe Lion King) is playing tough cub Young Nala. As the trailer focuses on wise baboon Rafiki, we get a good look at this classic character as he lifts Simba to the skies. He will be played by John Kani (Coriolanus,Captain America: Civil War). John Oliver (Last WeekTonight with John Oliver,The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) is playing hornbill Zazu, who serves asMufasa’s loyal confidant.
When Simba goes into exile, he will rely on two newfound friends. Seth Rogen (Sausage Party,Neighbors) is thenaïve warthog Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner (Billy on the Street,American Horror Story) will play his best pal, know-it-all meerkat Timon.
Most of the animals in this kingdom respect the king. The hyenas have different plans. Florence Kasumba (Emerald City,Black Panther) plays Shenzi, Eric André (The Eric André Show,Man Seeking Woman) plays Azizi, and Keegan-Michael Key (Predator,Friends from College) plays Kamari.
Director Jon Favreau is following up his massive hitThe jungle Bookwith this second trip into the animal kingdom. Only this time there are no humans. Take a look at the first teaser trailer, which shows off exactly what we’ll be getting when the live-actionLion Kinghits theaters everywhere this summer.
