Surprises in store for ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Dumbo,’ ‘Lion King’
LAS VEGAS – Walt Disney did more than reveal key moments from Solo: A Star Wars Story and Incredibles 2 at CinemaCon. The studio also gave the convention of theater owners a sneak peek of its live-action reworking of classic animated films such as Aladdin, Dumbo and The Lion King (with no mention made of the live-action Mulan, expected in 2020). Here’s what surprised us:
‘Aladdin’ is an action film of sorts
You had to know that there would be an emphasis on action in the remake of
1992’s Aladdin (in theaters May 24,
2019); after all, it’s being directed by Snatch director Guy Ritchie. But it was surprising how much action is working its way into the film starring Naomi Scott as Jasmine, Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Will Smith in the Genie role. In brief scenes, the streetwise Aladdin is seen running precariously atop walls and bouncing dramatically, slow-motion-style, off window canopies. Cathleen Taff, Disney’s head of distribution, said Smith will bring his own style to the role made famous in animation by the late Robin Williams. “No one could replicate what he did, nor would we want that,” Taff said. She described Smith’s take as “a little Fresh Prince, a little Hitch and a whole lot of attitude.”
‘Dumbo’ is all about that flight
Tim Burton’s live-action Dumbo (March 29, 2019) takes place where the 1941 animated classic ends, with the bigeared elephant taking flight in the circus. Burton is “taking that as a jumpingoff point,” Taff said. There were stunning circus moments with Burton-esque quirkiness very much on display and exquisite attire by Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood. And Danny DeVito is already standing out as the big-top ringmaster in a cast that includes Eva Green, Michael Keaton and Colin Farrell. The sizzle reel built all the way to the moment of Dumbo’s flight, with circus performers and spectators looking up with amazed expressions, but the reel ended before the elephant soared. “OK, OK, you didn’t really see Dumbo fly,” Taff said. “But we have to keep some tricks up our sleeve.”
‘Lion King’ already looks majestic
Disney showed only one scene, a final gift at the end of the presentation, from the live-action Lion King (July 19,
2019), directed by Jungle Book director Jon Favreau. It was a similar look at the early scene shown last year at D23 Expo: the Circle of Life introduction of Simba (Donald Glover) made famous in the
1994 animated original (and the Broadway stage production). But the animals walking to Pride Rock are already notably stunning, with Rafiki holding up Simba as the music soars — complete with the famous baby lion sneeze. Said Taff, “As amazing as Jungle Book looked, we’re going to next level.”