Disney Unveils New Footage From 'The Lion King', 'Aladdin', and 'Dumbo' at CinemaCon
The annual convention of theater owners got an exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peek at Disney’s live-action adaptations of The Lion King, Dumbo, and Aladdin.
It's safe to say 2019 will be yet another banner year for The Mouse House. Ahead of next year’s reworks of animated classics The Lion King, Dumbo and Aladdin, Disney gave CinemaCon exhibitors an advanced 'look' at behind the scenes footage featuring a hybrid of images and set visits with cast interviews.
According to reports, the biggest reaction came when Disney unveiled the legendary "Circle of Life" opening sequence from Jon Favreau's live-action The Lion King. Cathleen Taff, Disney's Executive Vice President of distribution and franchise management, tempered expectations telling exhibitors Favreau's footage is only a proof of concept.
The dialogue-free scene was unveiled as shot for shot with 1994's animated blockbuster opening sequence featuring Rafiki (John Kani) presenting young cub and new prince Simba (Donald Glover) at Pride Rock. Elton John, Beyonce, and Tim Rice are confirmed to produce a new end credits song and of course, four songs from the original will be featured - 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight?' 'Hakuna Matata,' 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King' and 'Circle of Life.'
The Lion King is set for release July 19, 2019.
Tim Burton’s live-action adaptation of 1941's Dumbo is described as a period piece that evokes Burton’s Big Fish as well as Disney’s Oz The Great and Powerful. Of course, actual footage wasn't shown so we'll take any pre-screening reactions with grain of salt.
Disney presented a trailer-featurette combo featuring the film's stars - Colin Farrell as former circus legend Holt Farrier, Eva Green as trapeze artist Colette Marchant, Danny DeVito as bigtop owner Max Medici, and Michael Keaton as the film's exploitative villain V.A. Vadnemere. Disney only showed concept art of the to-be-CG'd Dumbo - who according to THR, has the signature "big ears, blue eyes and sweet, emotive expression."
Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell each described the film as a “family” story that will pick up where Disney’s animated film ends with Dumbo flying off.
Dumbo lands in theaters March 29, 2019.
Last but certainly not least, CinemaCon attendees also got a sneak peek at Guy Ritchie's rework of 1992's animated classic Aladdin! Disney's featurette reel included exclusive live-action footage of Agrabah's charming "street rat" running through the streets in a slow motion action sequence. The featurette also included interviews with 2019's fresh faces Mena Massoud as Disney's titular character and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine.
Part of what should make Aladdin a box office success will be the passing of the torch from Robin Williams to Will Smith as the comical genie who has the power to change the life of whoever possesses his magic lamp. According to Cathleen Taff, Smith will put his own stamp on the character that's said to be a "a little Fresh Prince, a little Hitch and whole lot of attitude."
Of course, we can't talk about Aladdin without mentioning legendary composer Alan Menken. The eight-time Oscar winner will not only score Ritchie's live-action adaptation but he has two new songs in the works co-written by La La Land's Oscar winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Can you smell what the 2020 Oscars are cooking?
Aladdin is set for release May 24, 2019.
