Donald Glover and James Earl Jones are ready to sing “Hakuna Matata.” The “Atlanta” star is in talks to play Simba in Disney’s live-action “The Lion King” remake directed by Jon Favreau, (“The Jungle Book,” “Iron Man”). Jones, who voiced Simba’s father Mufasa in the original, will return to reprise the role.
Favreau is directing with Jeff Nathanson writing. “Lion King” was originally released in 1994 and is one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, ultimately hauling $968.5 million at the global box office. The studio’s emphasis on live-action reboots follows the successes of “Maleficent” (2014) and “Cinderella” (2015), while “Beauty and the Beast” is already one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
To read full article, go to: ‘Lion King’ Remake: Donald Glover Is Simba, James Earl Jones Is Mufasa | Variety
"Atlanta" Creator Donald Glover to Play Simba in Disney's Live-Action "Lion King," James Earl Jones is Mufasa
Published in Entertainment and Movies
As Mufasa’s brother? No, I think they’re going for a particular kind of casting with this version, probably matching the stage play a bit closer.
Characters like the hyenas, Zazu, or Timon and Pumbaa are probably open to anyone (maybe other original performers will return), but for Mufasa’s family there will be a racial consistency.