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23rd Nov 2018

Disney has shared the first look at the live-action remake of The Lion King

Keeley Ryan

FINALLY.

Disney has revealed the first look at the highly anticipated live-action version of the Lion King – and, honestly, we need 2019 to get here quicker.

The 90-second clip starts off with Musafa – played by James Earl Jones, who is reprising his role from the original – talking to Simba, before showing that iconic moment between Rafiki and the future king.

As the camera pans across the African savannah, Musafa tells his son:

“Everything the light touches is our kingdom. But a king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun.

“One day, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king.”

Then of course, “Circle of Life” arrives right on cue.

It then cuts to all of the animals approaching Pride Rock as Rafiki introduces them to all to the tiny cub – and future king – Simba.

Looking awfully similar to the trailer from the 1994 original (not that we’re complaining), it ends by displaying the date: July 19 2019.

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Take your place. #TheLionKing

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Like we said, can 2019 get here quicker, please?

The star-studded cast also includes Donald Glover – aka Childish Gambino – as an adult Simba; Beyoncé as Nala; Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon; and John Oliver as Zazu.

Meanwhile, Chiwetel Ejiofor has been cast as Scar and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, andJD McCrary voices Young Simba – the cub who just can’t wait to be king.