Donald Glover (aka “Childish Gambino), may very well be having the best year ever!
Not only will he be a young Lando Calrissian in the Han Solo Star Wars movie, his hit series Atlanta won a number of Golden Globes, and now he has been cast in the role of a lifetime in Disney’s The Lion King remake! It has been reported that the rapper/singer turned actor will voice the film’s protagonist, Simba!
As you recall, Disney has been remaking its animated films into live action movies; Maleficent, Cinderella, Pete’s Dragon, The Jungle Book, and Beauty and The Beast have already been released or are soon to debut. Live actions films based on Aladdin’s Genie, and The Little Mermaid are already in the works. The Lion King, however, stands out as the “creme de la creme” of animated films, holding the title of the highest grossing animated film of all time. Its live action remake may very well prove to be the shining jewel in Disney’s new approach to these classic films.
Besides Donald’s casting as Simba, James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Simba’s father, the great and revered King of Pride Rock and expounder of the “Circle of Life.” We are extremely happy to hear James will be Mufasa again. We cannot imagine anyone else voicing such a wise and respected character. That deep, iconic voice of his is everything. There is no new casting information for the other characters in the film, but might we suggest Idris Elba take on Scar’s voice. He was amazing as Shere Khan in The Jungle Book. Madge Sinclair should reprise Sarabi, Simba’s mother’s voice, Alicia Keys would make a good Nala, and Kevin Hart and Mike Epps would be a good Timon and Pumbaa, respectively. What do you guys think?
Congrats again Donald!
Written By: Michael “Hey Mikey” Fanning
