The Legend of Tarzan movie preview

Tarzan, the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, has seen plenty of adaptions in cinemas, TV, and animation but there is always room for one more, especially when it is done by the right people. The Legend of Tarzan is slated for a July 2016 release and it will see Alexander Skarsgård in the titular role with the gorgeous Margot Robbie in the role of Jane Porter. The film will be directed by David Yates who was also directed the last four movies of the Harry Potter franchise.

The Legend of Tarzan starts with the titular character back in London, living a gentleman’s life as Lord Greystoke, John Clayton III along with his wife, Jane Porter. Though it has been years since he left the jungle for the English capital, the Parliament invites him to go back to Congo as a trade emissary. Of course, it seems like no one understands the raw power of Tarzan as the corrupt Belgian Captain Léon Rom, played by the fantastic Christoph Waltz, plans to use him as a minion in an evil scheme. Samuel L. Jackson is set to play historian George Washington Williams, John Hurt is on board as Jane’s father and Djimon Hounsou will be playing the role of Chief Mbonga. Casper Crump, Jim Broadbent, Simon Russel Beale, and Osy Ikhile will all have roles in the film as well.

After watching the trailer, one can safely assume that the movie will not shy away from action. We also expect to see many beautiful locales, a lot of swinging around in the jungle and intense fights that will leave you clutching the edge of your seat in agony. By the looks of it, this adaption will follow the original character more closely. Instead of being a gallant, inherently moral figure, the film will delve into the intricate complexities of the character which contrast nature to civilization, man to animal, and death to life. It will also be interesting to watch Tarzan starting from its years in London as opposed to yet another origin story as cinema lovers have probably had enough of those already.

Skarsgård has been reading up on the character of Tarzan in order to understand his very nature. Speaking about the character, the actor said that this is a man with many layers, a man who is ready to get in touch with his animalistic side when pushed. One has to remember that Tarzan grew up in the jungle among apes and he represents the epitome of human physique. However, he also represents the good and bad sides of humanity as witnessed by the many moral dilemmas he is faced with in the many books by Burroughs.

Check out the official trailer below.

Though we are now nearing release, the film has had a colorful history with many different directors and writers attached to the project, starting in June 2003 when screen writer John August was commissioned to write a live-action, blockbuster adaptation of Tarzan for Warner Bros. and Jerry Weintraub Production. Speaking of Jerry Weintraub, the film will be dedicated to his memory as the famous producer and businessman passed away in July of the previous year.