The Lion King (2019 film)

The Lion King is an upcoming American computer-animated epic musical drama film, directed and co-produced by Jon Favreau, produced by Walt Disney Pictures, and written by Jeff Nathanson. It is the remake of Disney's 1994 animated film of the same name and inspired in part by William Shakespeare's Hamlet. The film stars the voices of Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, Alfre Woodard, John Kani. It is set to be released on July 19, 2019.

Voice cast

 * Donald Glover as Simba
 * James Earl Jones as Mufasa
 * Billy Eichner as Timon
 * Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
 * John Oliver as Zazu
 * Alfre Woodard as Sarabi
 * John Kani as Rafiki

Development
On September 28, 2016, Walt Disney Pictures confirmed that Jon Favreau would be directing a fast-tracked remake of the 1994 animated film The Lion King, which would feature the songs from the 1994 film, following a string of recent box office successes on the other Disney live-action fantasy films such as Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast. Later on October 13, 2016, it was reported that Disney had hired Jeff Nathanson to write the screenplay for the remake. In November 2016, talking with ComingSoon.net, Favreau said the virtual reality technology he used in The Jungle Book would be used to a greater degree in The Lion King.

Casting
In February 2017, Donald Glover was cast as Simba, with James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa from the 1994 film. WWE wrestlers Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day indicated their interest in providing voices in the film. In March 2017, it was announced that Beyoncé was Favreau's top choice for the role of Nala and that the director and studio would be willing to do whatever it took to accommodate her busy schedule.

In April 2017, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen were cast to play Timon and Pumbaa respectively. In July 2017, John Oliver was cast as Zazu. In August 2017, Alfre Woodard and John Kani were announced to play Sarabi and Rafiki, respectively. Chiwetel Ejiofor is currently in talks to provide the voice of Scar. Beyoncé has also reportedly entered final negotiations to play Nala and contribute the soundtrack as well.

Filming
Production on the film commenced in the summer of 2017, on a blue screen stage in Los Angeles, California.

Release
The Lion King is scheduled to be released on July 19, 2019.