Scar, and Other Talking Points of New “Lion King” Remake Trailer

Scar, and Other Talking Points of New “Lion King” Remake Trailer

About one month and a half ago, we saw what had been the recent teasers for Disney’s remake of the 1994 animated classic “The Lion King.” Thus far all previews of the CGI-laden live-action movie centered on the original opening sequence. For those who tire of hearing “Circle of Life,” this new trailer’s for you.

We finally get to see more of the lush and vibrant African wilderness setting that “The Lion King” is known for. This time the focus is on the antagonist, the lean and hungry Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his plot to remove his brother Mufasa (James Earl Jones) and nephew Simba (JD McCrary) to become King.

But to make things concise, we’ll talk about everything in this new trailer for “The Lion King,” in list form:

  1. First scene is Simba and Nala (Shahadi Wright Joseph) as cubs, exploring the Elephant Graveyard. Scar is heard in voiceover, with a paraphrasing of his speech to the hyenas.
  2. First shot of Scar; he is slim but with an almost similar mane color to Mufasa.
  3. Hyenas appear to confront Simba and Nala, intercut with a probable later scene where they appear at Scar’s side.
  4. Redone scene of Mufasa talking to Simba atop Pride Rock, where this time he goes into further detail about how the Circle of Life works. Cut to Simba exploring the animals of the Pridelands and meeting Zazu (John Oliver, see above).
  5. Comparative scenes are shown, of Scar and the Hyenas (possible “Be Prepared” sequence), and of Mufasa continuing his discourse while Simba measures his paw in his father’s pawprint.
  6. Redone scene shows the wildebeest stampede, plus the aftermath with Scar “banishing” Simba who is chased by the hyenas.
  7. The exiled Simba hangs with his new friends Timon and Pumbaa (Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen) in the “Hakuna Matata” time-skip sequence.
  8. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” sequence involves adult Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé).
  9. Rafiki (John Kani) adding a mane marking to the symbol of Simba on his tree.
  10. Last scene shows Timon and Pumba wandering the forest while singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

“The Lion King” premieres July 19.