*Donald Glover has been cast as Simba in “Lion King” by Jon Favreau, the director announced the news Friday on Twitter. He also revealed that James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa, the beloved father character he voiced in the 1994 animated original.
Disney and Favreau are keeping mum about details, but it will probably be similar to last year’s “Jungle Book,” which Favreau also directed.
Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can,” “The Terminal”) is set to write the script of the 1994 classic’s remake.
READ RELATED STORY: How the NBA All Star Game Covers the Racial Wealth Gap (Video)
I just can’t wait to be king. #Simba pic.twitter.com/wUYKixMBJI
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 18, 2017
Looking forward to working with this legend. #Mufasa pic.twitter.com/1LszbWrcYT
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 18, 2017
The original “The Lion King” starred Matthew Broderick as adult Simba and Jonathon Taylor Thomas as the younger version.
Glover is currently starring in the Golden Globe-winning FX series “Atlanta,” which he created and co-writes. He also stars in the series — a role that earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Series or Musical. “Atlanta” has already been renewed by FX for a 10-episode second season.
Meanwhile, it was previously announced that Glover had been cast as a young Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Han Solo movie, which set to be released in 2018. Last year, he released a new album as Childish Gambino called “Awaken, My Love.”
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
