Nigerian born English actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, plays Scar while singer Beyonce gets the role of Nala in the adaptation of Disney’s animated feature “Lion King.”

The first official trailer for the upcoming movie was released on Thursday night, 22 November 2018, and is projected to hit cinemas in July 2019, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Lion King” depicts the struggle of a lion cub, Simba who was challenged by a stiff opposition from his uncle, Scar, in a battle regarding who will rule the animal kingdom.

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Ejiofor has taken on the role of Scar, the villainous lion and brother of Mufasa, who seeks to usurp the throne from his brother and ends up teaming up with the hyenas.

In the same vein, Beyonce plays the character, Nala, the fierce lioness and Simba’s childhood friend-turned-love interest.

The Lion King marks the singer’s first feature film role since she voiced Queen Tara in Epic in 2013.

Other casts in the movie are Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Alfre Woodard and John Oliver.

‘Jungle Book’ director, Jon Favreau worked as the director for the virtual-production of the Disney’s 1994 hit.

The original “Lion King” grossed more than $968 million worldwide and featured memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice.

The award-winning actor, Ejiofor had received numerous awards and nominations for acting including the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award and Primetime Emmy Award.

He was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire and elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015.

Donald Glover will play Simba in the film, with Beyonce taking the role of his best friend Nala.

James Earl Jones is back as Mufasa, having first voiced the lion in the 1994 Disney classic.

In the trailer, he can be heard giving the famous “everything the light touches” speech while the scene of Rafiki (John Kani) presenting a young Simba to the animal kingdom on Pride Rock plays out.

The trailer also teases the heartbreaking stampede scene.

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The Lion King is directed by The Jungle Book’s Jon Favreau and will also star Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, John Oliver as Zazu, Seth Rogen as Pumba, Billy Eichner as Timone and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi.

The film is slated for release on July 19, 2019.

(NAN)