And now it’s official.
After six months of rumors that Beyoncé would be cast as Nala in Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King, the entertainment company announced Wednesday that Queen Bey and a full list of luminaries are in.
Joining Beyoncé in the Jon Favreau-directed project are Donald Glover as Simba; James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Simba’s father; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Simba’s villainous uncle; and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, Simba’s mother.
“It is a director’s dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life,” Favreau said in a statement.
#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt
— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017
Disney’s announcement is being greeted with enthusiastic approval on social media.
Disney: "Hmmmm… Who to cast as the future queen of Pride Roc-"
— Michael Scally (@FizzVsTheWorld) November 1, 2017
Beyonce: "Yes, my subjects?"#TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/5rghVZdeXU
The #TheLionKing cast is so iconic that I wasn't even the most excited about Beyonce and I LOVE ME SOME BEYONCE. pic.twitter.com/BJS10J0Fk6
— Melanie Hawkins (@MelHawk92) November 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/delane/status/925875907813826560
The release date for the new Lion King is July 19, 2019.