SNAPSHOT
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets. (synopsis via Coming Soon)
I am not usually a fan of unnecessary movie remakes. (Of course Hollywood movie studios would argue every remake they undertake is necessary but I think our definitions of that word in this context may differ greatly.)
But Disney live action reboots of films like The Jungle Book and Beauty & the Beast have been far more imaginative and emotionally-resonant that I would have ever expected, and it appears that Dumbo, due next year and helmed by the incomparably quirky and creatively adventurous Tim Burton, is well on track to join their ranks.
The just-released trailer, though short, is bursting with a thousand different affecting emotions and your heart goes out to poor sweet Dumbo and his rude awakening to both the sadness and joy to be found in the world.
As Gamespot notes, it is but the latest in a planned long list by Disney of animation adaptations:
“In terms of other Disney adaptations, new versions of Mulan, The Lion King, and Aladdin are all in various stages of development. Mulan recently added a number of high-profile Asian actors to the cast, including Gong Li (Miami Vice) and martial arts legends Donnie Yen (Rogue One) and Jet Li (The Expendables), and arrives in 2020. The Lion King will be directed by The Jungle Book’s Jon Favreau and is set for July 2019, while Aladdin comes from Snatch and Sherlock Holmes director Guy Richie, and arrives in May of next year.”
Dumbo opens in theatres on 19 March, 2019.