The film is one of many to be given the live-action-like CGI treatment by Disney, and is due out in cinemas next year – along with similar retellings of Aladdin and Dumbo. And with an all-star cast on board, it’s going to be quite the cinematic event.
The trailer indicates that the new version will remain very faithful to the 1990s animated classic, and the iconic voice of James Earl Jones can be heard once again as Simba.
If you haven’t seen it already, watch above.
The trailer’s Thanksgiving day debut has left many feeling very emotional, with fans swamping Twitter to share their excitement over a film that could very easily have turned out very badly indeed.
Singer Hayley Williams of Paramore posted: “almost cried during the new Lion King trailer.”
“I don’t think we need a new Lion King, but I also cried watching the trailer so,” said someone else, attaching a GIF of Hankuna Matata.
“Not going to lie I cried during The Lion King trailer. My all time fave Disney movie!” said another viewer.
Another tweet read: “yeah i just cried during the live action lion king trailer so what?”
“Damn even tho I know everything that happens in lion king I still cried at the trailer lmao,” quipped someone else.
The cast for this new version is led by Donald Glover as Simba, and Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala.
James Earl Jones reprises Mufasa, while Chiwetel Ejiofor is Scar and Alfre Woodard is Sarabi.
John Oliver takes over as Zazu, with John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
The Lion King is out on July 19, 2019.