BeyoncéOpens in a new tab‘s about to be crazy in love with a lion, because she’s joined the cast of the live action adaptation of The Lion KingOpens in a new tab. DisneyOpens in a new tab‘s announced the full star-studded voice cast for the upcoming film from director Jon FavreauOpens in a new tab, 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 SimbaOpens in a new tab.
I hope Simba realizes he’d better put a ring on it.
Also confirmed to join the cast are Alfre WoodardOpens in a new tab as Sarabi, queen of the pack and mother of Simba. She’s joining the already announced James Earl JonesOpens in a new tab as Mufasa, because of course he’s reprising his role. Chiwetel EjioforOpens in a new tab will play Scar with Eric Andre, Florence Kasumba, and Keegan-Michael KeyOpens in a new tab 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 BookOpens in a new tab, also directed by Favreau. I saw the “Circle of Life” sequence at a D23 Expo panelOpens in a new tab 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 TwitterOpens in a new tab.
Roar with more Lion King stories!
- The animated Lion King was almost a very different filmOpens in a new tab.
- See a cosplayer become SimbaOpens in a new tab.
- Check out a Scar makeup transformationOpens in a new tab.
