I always imagined that a Colin Farrell / Tim Burton partnership would lead to something dark and disturbing, but I guess there’s only so much leeway when you’re remaking a Disney classic.

We all know the story of Dumbo, with the animated original dating all the way back to 1941, but like most movies these days it’s getting a modern-day makeover.

The first teaser trailer was released earlier this week, Variety reports:

“Dumbo,” directed by Tim Burton and loosely inspired by the 1941 animated film, stars Danny DeVito as the owner of a struggling circus. He 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…

The story appears to be taking place sometime during the 19th century. The trailer also introduces Michael Keaton as entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere, Alan Arkin as Wall Street tycoon J. Griffin Remington, and Eva Green as aerial artist Colette Marchant, who’s seen swinging from a huge chandelier.

Tim Burton must have been bummed that he couldn’t wangle Johnny Depp into the movie somewhere, but let’s just head to the trailer:

Meh – I’m indifferent. Still quite a wait, with the release date set for March 29, 2019.

If they could hurry up with the new Lion King, though.

[source:variety]