VIDEO: First Jon Favreau-Directed ‘Lion King’ Teaser Pays Homage to 1994 Original

Disney’s Jon Favreau-directed remake of “The Lion King” has given birth to its first teaser.

The 90-second clip (above) begins as the sun rises over the African savanna and beasts of all size and stripe congregate under Pride Rock to pay their respects to Simba the lion, their literal animal kingdom’s newborn crown prince. The CGI shots are a clear homage to the opening scenes of Disney’s 1994 animated original.

“Everything the light touches is our kingdom, but a king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the Sun,” Mufasa (James Earl Jones) explains to his young cub in the trailer (above). “One day the Sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new king.”

Jones—reprising the role of King Mufasa—stars alongside a robust cast of voice actors, including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Billy Eichner, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogen, and Eric Andre.

“The Lion King” will serve as Favreau’s second remake for Disney, following the actor and filmmaker’s 2016 live-action blockbuster “The Jungle Book,” which pulled in nearly a billion dollars at the international box office. The longtime Stern Show guest has also directed all three “Iron Man” films for Disney’s Marvel Studios.

“The Lion King” roars to life on July 19, 2019. Watch the first teaser (above).