Dumbo, Tim Burton's live-action take, will air on Gulli on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 9:05 PM. Released in French theaters on March 27, 2019, the film reimagines the flying elephant tale by expanding it to the story of a family and a struggling circus. Read our review and the director's interview.
After returning from war, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) is brought in by Max Medici (Danny DeVito), the circus owner, to look after a baby elephant with oversized ears. His children, portrayed by Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins, discover that the animal can fly. The gift arouses the interest of ambitious showman V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) and daring acrobat Colette Marchant (Eva Green).
The film revisits Disney's 1941 animated classic, released in the United States. Rather than simply retracing the journey of the baby elephant, this adaptation fleshes out the human characters around him and the commercial ambitions sparked by his discovery.
Ahead of the film’s release, we spoke with Tim Burton to discuss this new adaptation of Dumbo.
Our take on Dumbo:
In a word: breathtaking!
Tim Burton drags us into a wonderfully magical world, with dazzling sets and sensational costumes. It captures the spirit of Dumbo while reimagining iconic moments from the Disney classic in a fresh, entirely new adventure. The cinematography is stunning, and the film shines thanks to thoughtful artistry in the costumes, staging, and scenery—crafted specifically for this project—along with camera work that elevates the whole experience.
Dumbo becomes a circus epic, reminiscent of The Greatest Showman, with spellbinding, dreamlike moments on the front stage and the oft-troubled life of an artist behind the scenes. The little elephant is incredibly endearing, conveying a rich tapestry of emotion that invites the audience to share in his joy, sorrow, and fear.
The performances also lend real emotional depth. Holt Farrier returns from war maimed and suddenly unsure how to connect with his children. The lovely Colette, played by the brilliant Eva Green, forms a bond with this charming family and the extraordinary elephant she fiercely protects.
Even the circus director—a bit shady at times—has his lighter, more humorous side and surprising depth. The twist at the end offers a timely meditation on the place of animals in circuses. Burton’s vision, which we teased in our earlier video, is fully realized here. Grab the tissues!
To go further, also check out our picks for films, series and shows to watch on TV this week, our guide to new releases across all platforms, and today’s pick of what to watch on streaming.
