(Courtesy of Disney)
Walt Disney Pictures has announced the A-List cast for the upcoming CGI live-action remake of The Lion King. The animated classic will be the new CGI technical marvel after the blockbuster likes of Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast.
A modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, 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. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own out the cub’s arrival. The battle for Pride Rock has everything from betrayal, tragedy to 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 his rightful throne.
Here are 5 reasons we’re so excited for The Lion King cast:
5) Who’s Playing Who
The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau has assembled the cast of legends. Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Billy Eichner as Timon and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. Everybody’s perfect in their role!
4) The CGI Event of the Year!
Just like in Beauty and the Beast, the photorealistic computer-generated animals and environments will bring the classic characters to life in a whole new way. We saw what Favreau did in The Jungle Book, now let’s see him take a step further with his filmmaking skills.
3) The Music!
I’m already thinking I’m going to have to buy the soundtrack! The original soundtrack contained songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice, including the unforgettable “Circle of Life.” Hans Zimmer returns as composer; so I’m sure he’s writing a brand track featuring the amazing voice of Beyoncé.
2) The Hyena Pack!
Eric Andre will play Azizi, Florence Kasumba is Shezi and Keegan-Michael Key plays Kamari. they have to be scary and deliver the hilarious one-liners at the same time.
1) The Slacker Hero!
My favorite part of The Lion King is that Simba grows up to be a slacker. I love Atlanta, so I already know what Donal Glover will do wonders!
The Lion King arrives in theaters on July 19, 2019.
– By Jorge Solis