The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

Here's the cast of Disney's live-action 'The Lion King' and who they're playing

Disney confirmed the cast of its live-action "The Lion King" coming to theaters July 19, 2019. Donald Glover, Beyoncé, and John Oliver are among the main cast.

Disney released the first trailer for its live-action "Lion King" movie on Thanksgiving and it has it excited to see more.

The trailer recreated many scenes from the animated movie and teased the return of James Earl Jones as Mufasa. Disney confirmed the movie's cast in November and it's an all-star lineup of comedians, Hollywood vets, and even Beyoncé.

The Oscar-winning 1994 animated movie is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The story follows Simba who runs away from his mother after disaster strikes. He's sought out years later to take back his place as king when his Uncle Scar threatens to destroy his home of the Pride Lands.

Jon Favreau, the director behind Disney's live-action "The Jungle Book," is also bringing "The Lion King" to life. The film will be in theaters July 19, 2019. For now, see everyone who will star in the live-action adaptation.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Atlanta" star Donald Glover will play the adult Simba.

, who needs to find himself before returning to the Pride Lands to take his place as king.

Beyoncé will play his friend-turned-love interest, Nala.

We hope we get to hear her sing a few tunes on the soundtrack.

ADVERTISEMENT

James Earl Jones will reprise his role from the 1994 movie as Simba's father, Mufasa.

Jones' familiar voice opens up the first trailer for the movie.

"Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver will voice Mufasa's advisor Zazu.

Zazu had his own song, "The Morning Report," cut from the original animated release of the movie. Maybe he'll get to sing it in the live-action film.

Alfre Woodard will voice Mufasa's wife, the no-nonsense Sarabi.

ADVERTISEMENT

We can't wait to see her interact with Simba, Mufasa, and go toe-to-toe with Scar.

Mufasa's devious brother Scar will be played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Eijofor already started to go to the dark side in "Doctor Strange," so we're psyched to see him take on the role of Simba's uncle.

"Black Panther" actor John Kani will step in as the wise baboon Rafiki.

Kani will go from playing the king of Wakanda, T'Chaka, in "Black Panther" to playing the wise baboon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seth Rogen will play one of Simba's friends, the warthog Pumbaa.

Rogen was confirmed to play the role in April 2017.

His partner-in-crime, the meerkat Timon, will be voiced by Billy Eichner.

We're excited to see the "Billy on the Street" star take over the role that was made popular by Nathan Lane.

Florence Kasumba will play one of Scar's three hyena henchmen, Shenzi.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whoopi Goldberg voiced the character in the original movie.

The live-action movie will change up the names of the two other hyenas.

Eric André will voice Azizi.

Keegan-Michael Key will play the third hyena named Kamari.

Keegan-Michael Key will also appear in Disney's "Toy Story 4" next summer.

ADVERTISEMENT

JD McCrary will voice the young Simba who just wants to be king.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas voiced the young cub who just couldn't wait to be king in the original.

Shahadi Wright Joseph voice a young, tough Nala.

The young actress isn't a stranger to "The Lion King." She has played the character on Broadway's adaptation of the movie. She will also appear in next year's highly-anticipated movie "Us."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Top 10 richest mineral-producing countries in Africa

Top 10 richest mineral-producing countries in Africa

Top 10 African countries with internet freedom

Top 10 African countries with internet freedom

5 African countries which have received loans from the IMF in 2023

5 African countries which have received loans from the IMF in 2023

5 African countries where snow falls

5 African countries where snow falls

Tanzania says its Sh1.4 trillion ($600 million) loss is no cause for alarm, see why

Tanzania says its Sh1.4 trillion ($600 million) loss is no cause for alarm, see why

Call your girls to order  —  Abike Dabiri tells Arise TV owner

Call your girls to order  —  Abike Dabiri tells Arise TV owner

Veteran Nollywood actor Adewale Adeyemo is dead

Veteran Nollywood actor Adewale Adeyemo is dead

Africa’s richest woman Isabel Dos Santos finds herself deep in another financial scandal

Africa’s richest woman Isabel Dos Santos finds herself deep in another financial scandal

'There was a point...I was seeing the stage upside down' - Hilda Baci

'There was a point...I was seeing the stage upside down' - Hilda Baci

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT