Tim Burton's Dumbo: new trailer, release date, plot

In an interesting matchup with one of Disney’s simpler tales, master of the macabre Tim Burton is directing a live-action remake of Dumbo, overseeing a sparkling cast including Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton and Eva Green. As with other recent Disney releases such as The Jungle Book, CGI will play just as large a role as the actors, in this case creating the remarkably convincing eponymous elephant himself.

Unlike the original animation, all the animals will be nonspeaking, drawing attention to the human characters. Gone is Dumbo’s mouse friend Timothy, as is the chorus of singing crows – in their place are the children of Farrell’s character, who first befriend the elephant, discovering Dumbo in a mound of hay.

All indications thus far hint that this interpretation will play fast and loose with memories of the original animated feature, as the trailer strikes a surreal balance between magic and fear, infused with Burton’s inimitable touch of darkness.

Dumbo’s discovery of his unique flying abilities whilst performing at a struggling circus looks to be a plot point retained by the new film – the vast, sinister ‘Dreamland’ glimpsed in the trailer is a new addition, sure to be a vehicle for Burton to show off his usual knack for elaborate and unsettling spectacle.

Dumbo is sure to be visually arresting and deeply moving – experience the magic when it hits cinemas on 29 March.