Singer-songwriter and actor Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has joined the cast of Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King. The Grammy-winning star will play lioness Nala, Simba's childhood friend and eventual wife.
Beyoncé’s screen credits include Dreamgirls, Epic, Obsessed, Austin Powers in Goldmember.
As previously announced, Donald Glover will voice the role of Simba. The Lion King, which will be directed by Jon Favreau, is scheduled to be released in summer 2019.
Other new names to join the cast include Keegan Michael-Key, recently seen Off-Broadway in Hamlet, as Kamari, along with John Kani as Rafiki, Eric André as Azizi, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi, JD McCrary as Young Simba, and Shahadi Wright Joseph (an alum Broadway's The Lion King) as Young Nala.
They join the previously announced James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, John Oliver as Zazu, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, and Billy Eichner as Timon.
Disney's remake of the hit 1994 film The Lion King will be a combination of CGI and live action, similar to The Jungle Book remake, also directed by Favreau. Songs from the original movie are expected to return; Jeff Nathanson will pen the screenplay.
The multi-Tony Award-winning musical The Lion King, directed by Tony winner Julie Taymor, continues at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. It celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.
