Beyoncé‘s about to be crazy in love with a lion, because she’s joined the cast of the live action adaptation of The Lion King. Disney‘s announced the full star-studded voice cast for the upcoming film from director Jon Favreau, and if it’s possible, we’re looking forward to returning to Pride Rock more than ever. Beyoncé is playing Nala, and she’ll lead alongside Donald Glover’s Simba.
I hope Simba realizes he’d better put a ring on it.
Also confirmed to join the cast are Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, queen of the pack and mother of Simba. She’s joining the already announced James Earl Jones as Mufasa, because of course he’s reprising his role. Chiwetel Ejiofor will play Scar with Eric Andre, Florence Kasumba, and Keegan-Michael Key portraying Scar’s hapless hyena minions, Azizi, Shenzi, and Kamari, respectively. (And yes, in case you’re wondering, the hyenas had mostly different names in the animated film).
The live-action Lion King will be made digitally, a la The Jungle Book, also directed by Favreau. I saw the “Circle of Life” sequence at a D23 Expo panel over the summer, and I was completely blown away with how all the animals look and move. Knowing we’ll have those kind of visuals paired with this kind of voice cast? It’s the fulfillment of some sweet dreams.
The Lion King will be in theaters on July 19, 2019. What do you think of the casting? Practice your roar in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
Images: Disney
Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. She wants to sing like Scar. Follow her on Twitter.
Roar with more Lion King stories!
- The animated Lion King was almost a very different film.
- See a cosplayer become Simba.
- Check out a Scar makeup transformation.
