Donald Glover continues to score roles that bring cinematic icons into the 21st century as the Childish Gambino rapper will play Simba in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disneys The Lion King.
James Earl Jones will also reprise the role of Mufasa in the film, which will be directed by Jon Favreau.
Like Favreaus remake of the The Jungle Book, the film will utilize CGI technology and green screen to transform the beloved 1994 animated movie into a live-action movie.
In addition to voicing Simba, Glover has also been cast to portray Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Star Wars anthology film about a young Han Solo. The Golden Globe-winning multi-hyphenate will also return to his Atlanta in 2018.
As the Hollywood Reporter notes, Favreau and Glover previously met during a panel discussion on creativity, with the filmmaker admitting to the rapper, By the way, full disclosure: I see your face every day when I wake up my 15-year-old son because on his door is a portrait of you.
The Lion King joins a wave of live-action Disney films adapted from the companys legendary catalog, including The Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, the upcoming Beauty & The Beast and the planned Little Mermaid remake. A sequel for Favreaus Jungle Book is also in the works.
I just cant wait to be king. #Simba pic.twitter.com/wUYKixMBJI
Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 18, 2017