It’s always tricky adapting beloved and iconic original movies. Disney is already facing some backlash against Will Smith’s new interpretation of the Genie in Aladdin when Robin Williams’ classic version remains so overwhelming in most people’s minds. Now the first proper trailer for The Lion King has ignited a debate over the main villain Scar. Voiced so memorably by Jeremy Irons in the animated Disney movie, the latest incarnation has been branded “wimpy” and “not menacing.” Scroll down to compare the new trailer with a clip from the original.
The 2019 live action movie has brought in Chiwetel Ejiofor to voice Simba’s wicked uncle. He is unarguably a great actor but it could be argued his voice does not have the gravity or timbre of his predecessor.
In the trailer Scar tells 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.”
Fans online are also rather underwhelmed by the moment after Simba loses his father in the stampede and Scar tells him: “Run away Simba, and never return.”
Comments include: “Chiwetel Ejiofor is a good actor, but he doesn’t have the voice of Scar at all. He’s not a menacing actor. The way he played Mordo showed that he’s not the villain type. He never once felt threatening or scary during Doctor Strange. They should’ve cast Mads Mikkelsen.”
“Not a huge fan of the voice acting from Scar so far, but I’m in for the visuals and music for sure.”
“I like it, but I guess I expected something more out of Scar.”
“Just watched the new trailer for The Lion King remake and it made me even more mad about it. They made Scar sound wimpy and he doesn’t even look like Scar. And they made the iconic tree painting look different. why couldn’t they just leave this movie alone. The animated is perfect.”
“Not sure Scar’s voice is menacing enough but I still predict I’ll go see this approx 300 times.”
To be fair, not all the reactions to Scar’s voice have been negative, although there is also currently a fan debate raging over why Disney has not kept the villains black mane.
While fans have passed judgement on Scar, the footage released so far has not included the adult Simba and Nala, voiced by Donald Glover and Beyonce.
It would have been virtually impossible to replace James Earl Jones as Mufasa and Disney have wisely chosen not to.
THE LION KING IS OUT ON JULY 18