Even though she hasn’t appeared in a film since 2013’s Epic and recently dropped out as a Coachella headliner due to her pregnancy, Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau want Beyonce to voice the role of Nala — Simba’s best friend and future-wife — in their live-action remake of The Lion King.
“Insiders stress that the Grammy winner has not made a decision regarding the film yet, as the star is pregnant with twins,” Variety reports. “But since it’s a voice-acting role, sources say the studio and director will do whatever it takes to accommodate her schedule.”
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If the 22-time Grammy winner takes on the role, which was originally voiced by The Cutting Edge star Moira Kelly, she’ll join a cast that features Donald Glover (Community) as the adult Simba and Star Wars icon James Earl Jones reprising the role of Mufasa — which he made famous in the 1994 animated film.
Though not as well known for his acting, Beyonce has starred in such films as Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), The Pink Panther (2006), Dreamgirls (2006), Cadillac Records (2008) and Obsessed (2009).
The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau and written by Jeff Nathanson, is scheduled to go into production this May.
The Lion King (1994) – An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets the stage for The Lion King, a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the “Circle of Life.”
MORE: Donald Glover Cast As Simba In Live-Action Lion King / The Lion King & The Jungle Book 2 Filming Back to Back
