Disney has released a new international trailer for the upcoming live-action remake ofDumbo, based on the iconic 1941 animated film that then became an iconic ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The Mouse House enlisted filmmakerTim Burtonto bring the story to life, and this new trailer feelsverymuch like a Tim Burton movie. It hasDanny DeVitocomplaining about how “weird” Dumbo looks with his giant ears, while the various “outsider” carnies rally around the baby elephant to celebrate his differences. Quite literally every movie Tim Burton has made has been about “outsiders” in one way or another, whether it’s a man who dresses up as a bat, a ghost demon, or a serial killing barber.
What makesDumbounique, however, is that Burton appears to be aiming squarely at kids and families. In that regard this film is much more along the lines ofCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryor even his last movie,Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Which I suppose is an admirable track, even if I long for the days when Burton made movies likeBig FishandEd Wood—though perhapsBig Eyesis evidence he’s somewhat lost his mojo in that regard.
But I digress.Dumbocomes at a time when there is significant interest aroundDisney’s live-action remakes, but it also marks something of an underdog for 2019. This year will bring us the blockbuster remakes ofThe Lion KingandAladdin, two beloved films that speak to now-grown millennials’ childhoods.Dumbois a bit more of a throwback by comparison, and it’ll be interesting to see how audiences respond. At the very least, the cast is terrific and I do like the go-for-broke production design.
Check out the newDumbointernational trailer below, and if you missed Vinnie’s set visit coverage, check out his interviews withColin FarrellandDanny DeVito. Written byEhren Kruger(Ghost in the Shell), the film also starsEva Green,Michael Keaton,Alan Arkin,Finley Hobbins, andNico Parker.Dumboopens in theaters on March 29th.
Here’s the official synopsis, followed by a brand-new poster released earlier today:
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.
Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”), “Dumbo” flies into theaters on August 27, 2025.
