Disney Reveals Full Voice Cast for 'The Lion King'

Coming to theaters in 2019 is the Jon Favreau-directed live-action update of Disney's The Lion [...]

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Coming to theaters in 2019 is the Jon Favreau-directed live-action update of Disney's The Lion King, which just revealed its full cast on Twitter.

While many of the names above were confirmed to participate, the reveal also includes new information as well. One of the biggest reveals is that Beyonce will voice Nala, Simba's love interest, after months of speculation about her attachment to the project.

In addition to Donald Glover starring as Simba, previously confirmed roles include Seth Rogen as Pumba, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Oliver as Zazu, John Kani as Rafiki and James Earl Jones returning to the role of Mufasa. Jones is currently the only announced cast member reprising the role he voiced in the original 1994 film.

Eric Andre as Azizi, Florence Karumba as Shenzi and Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari are also all new reveals.

"It is a director's dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life," Favreau shared in a statement.

The film's official synopsis is as follows:

"From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau's all-new The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his."

Favreau found success last year with his ambitious attempts to bring The Jungle Book to live with the all-new live-action adaptation. Having previously helmed big blockbusters like Iron Man and Cowboys & Aliens, the director seemed to be a perfect fit, with Jungle Book's nearly $1 billion worldwide box office proving the effectiveness of his approach.

Bringing a new incarnation of this beloved story seems like a near-impossible task, but based on this cast, the film is in good hands.

The film is slated to hit theaters on July 19, 2019.

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