Simba, Zazu, and Nala are back, and this time, in live action!
The 90s kids across the world rejoiced with nostalgia when Disney dropped the first teaser for The Lion King (2019), the live action movie.
For the Gen Ys and Gen Zs, who can’t relate to the hype, let us tell you what else is super exciting about this movie other than the epic adventure of little Simba itself.
The cast!
Director Jon Favreau has rolled in some of Hollywood’s top stars to voice for your favourite CGI characters in the film.
Here’s the list:
Simba - Donald Glover
Remember the dude who’s viral hit ‘This is America’ spiraled several parodies across YouTube? Yes, actor, song writer, and comedian Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, will lend is voice to the titular character of Simba in Disney’s Lion King.
While Glover will play adult Simba, child actor JD McCrary will be playing the young version of Simba.
Musafa - James Earl Jones
This one is a no brainer! James Earl Jones’ voice as Musafa in the 1994 original animated movie The Lion King was unforgettable. Even as he gave his voice to other iconic characters such as Darth Vader from Star Wars. Therefore fans did a double back-flip when Disney revealed his name as the voice actor for Musafa in its live action version.
Nala - Beyonce
Queen B fans can’t handle the excitement as the singer’s name flashed in the trailer credits. Yep, Beyonce has been cast as the feisty Nala, Simba’s friend turned love interest in the saga.
Rafiki - John Kani
While Robert Guillaume’s voice as Rafiki will forever be etched in our memories, for the live action version, Disney has roped in John Kani. For the uninitiated, he is a veteran actor, who had recently played King T'Chaka in Black Panther.
Scar - Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor of the Doctor Strange, Serenity and Sherlock fame will be voicing the menacing Scar -- the prime antagonist in the franchise.
With his emphatic voice, he is sure to scare the living day lights out of us.
Zazu - John Oliver
If you are familiar with John Oliver’s shenanigans in Last Week Tonight, you’d know how he is the perfect fit for voicing the ever annoyed but witty guardian of Simba, Zazu the pelican.
Sarabi - Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard, who had earlier starred in popular sci-fi franchises like Star Trek and Luke Cage, will voice Simba’s mother, tigress Sarabi.
Woordard was also seen in Captain America: Civil War.
Pumbaa - Seth Rogen
The celebrated Canadian-American actor, comedian, and director will helm the all important role of Pumbaa the Warthog. Guess who will play his partner in crime, Timon?
Timon - Billy Eichner
American actor-cum-producer Billy Eichner of the Funny Or Die's Billy fame will play the meerkat Timon.
Apart from this veterans such as Eric André and Florence Kasumba also feature in the live action. Here is a full list of the cast.
The Lion King releases on 19 July 2019.
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