Beyoncé. Image: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File
Pop star Beyoncé will enter the Circle of Life as she joins the cast of the “The Lion King” live-action remake.
Disney announced on Twitter the complete cast for the star-studded movie. She will take on the role of Nala, the love interest of the main character Simba, who will be played by Donald Glover.
Variety first reported that the singer scored the deal earlier this year as she was director Jon Favreau’s top choice for the role. It was also reported that he and the studio will do whatever it takes to accommodate her busy schedule.
James Earl Jones returns as Mufasa, as he originally voiced back in 1994. Also on board is British comedian and talk show host John Oliver, who will voice the toucan Zazu. Comedians Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen will play the funny duo of Timon and Pumba, respectively.
#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt
— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017
Favreau also teased the release of the film through his Twitter account, which is scheduled on July 19, 2019.
🦁👑! pic.twitter.com/A8razyqtK8
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) April 25, 2017
This is the second time Favreau directs a live-action movie for Disney. His first was 2016’s “The Jungle Book,” which featured Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Ben Kingsley. The movie grossed $966 million worldwide. Katrina Hallare /ra
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