The series of Disney live-action remakes is truckin’ along, and with big-budget adaptations of The Lion King and Mulan lined up over the next couple of years, it’s easy for some of the “smaller” films to get lost in the shuffle. That’s a shame, given just how fucking great Tim Burton’s take on Dumbo looks, thanks to this new trailer. Yes, we forgot about this film. Yes, we assumed that this movie would probably be pretty shitty, thanks to Burton’s output in recent years being less than stellar (Dark Shadows? Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children?). But that’s the power of a well-cut first trailer, and we are utterly entranced by it.
Anyways, enough chit-chat. Take a look:
We know that some people are instantly going to be hesitant about a remake of such a “beloved” film, but honestly we’d recommend you go back and watch the original cartoon with fresh and adult eyes. It’s definitely a product of its era, and we’re actually pretty happy that a remake will address some of these issues and bring this heartwarming story to a whole new audience.
Let’s not forget the cast either: Dumbo is serving as a Batman Returns reunion of sorts, with Danny Devito and Michael Keaton both sharing supporting roles, and it’s nice to see the three of them working together again. Burton regular Eva Green returns once again, and Colin Farrell is, well, the aw-shucks version of himself that he’s perfected in recent years (the dude has always had range, but people never wanted to give him credit for it). But the standout here is the CGI elephant itself, which looks perfectly stylized in that brilliant Disney way. We’re excited for this one.
Here’s a synopsis:
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.
Dumbo hits theaters on March 29.