Photo: Rex
Disney announced its epic new cast for the upcoming live-action remake of animated classic Lion King on Wednesday night, sending fans into a social media frenzy. Featuring a star-studded lineup of actors, including Beyoncé as Nala, the love interest of the film’s protagonist Simba, who will be played by Donald Glover, the Jean Favreau-directed film (he of The Jungle Book,) is set to premiere July 2019. Disney announced it was creating a live-action update of the 1994 hit film last year.
Other members of the cast include Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who will be playing the role of the main antagonist Scar. James Earl Jones is reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Mufasa.
The Lion King is among a number of live action reboots of Disney animated classics. Early this year, the company premiered a musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, featuring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and Luke Evans. Meanwhile, a live-action iteration of Aladdin, starring Egyptian and Tunisian newcomers Mena Massoud and Marwan Kenzari, is currently under wraps.
Scroll down to see the full cast.
#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt
— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017
