When Disney first announced they were in the process of producing a live action remake of 'The Lion King', fans everywhere roared with joy. It's been over 10 years since we saw Simba and co on Pride Rock in the latest film in the series, 'The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata' and that was in 2004! It's easy to understand why are so excited.
Whilst we haven't seen any new Lion King films lately, Disney are currently airing a TV series on Disney Junior called 'The Lion Guard' which focuses on Simba and Nala's youngest child, Kion and his friends. Kion's older sibling, Kiara, who we saw in 'The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride', is also in the series. This is not the first spin-off series to air on TV; 'The Lion King's Timon and Pumba' aired shortly after the 3rd movie.
Disney released the cast list for the upcoming film, and now we have even more reasons to eagerly anticipate the film.
The role we're most looking forward to, is that of Beyoncé, who'll play Nala. Fans of the original Lion King films will also be delighted to hear that James Earl Jones will be returning to reprise his role as Mufasa. We don't know about any of you, but we couldn't imagine anyone else portraying the King of the Pride!
Protagonist Simba will be played by JD McCrary and Donald Glover. A young Nala will be played by Shahadi Wright Joseph. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Alfre Woodard will portray Simba's uncle Scar, and his mother, Sarabi, respectively.
The rest of the cast will be made up of John Oliver as Zazu, Mufasa's royal servant, John Kani as the wise Rafiki. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogan will play Simba's friends, Timon and Pumba.
Rounding up the cast, are the hyenas, Azizi, Shenzi, and Kamari, who'll be played by Eric Andre, Florence Kasumba, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Live Action Remakes
This isn't the first time Disney is attempting a live action remake of one of its classics, for we've had many films over the years, and they've become somewhat of an expectation. 'The Jungle Book', 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Maleficent', 'Cinderella' and 'Beauty and the Beast' are just a few of the live action remakes we've seen of late. Disney doesn't plan on stopping there however, because we can also look forward to 'Mulan' and 'Aladdin' in 2019.
The upcoming Lion King film is set for release at some point during the same year.
