Donald Glover has been cast as Simba in ‘The Lion King’ remake.
The 33-year-old actor and rapper – who will also star in the upcoming Han Solo ‘Star Wars’ spin-off – has been cast as the protagonist in director Jon Favreau’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney cartoon.
Jon shared a picture of Donald on Twitter and wrote: "I just can’t wait to be king. #Simba."
He also revealed that James Earl Jones – who provided the voice of Simba’s father Mufasa in the original cartoon – will play the king who is murdered by his brother Scar.
He posted a picture of James and wrote: "Looking forward to working with this legend. #Mufasa."
Matthew Broderick voiced main character Simba in the original movie, while Jeremy Irons voiced Simba’s evil uncle Scar.
Last year Disney confirmed the 1994 movie will be given a live-action reboot and Jon – who helmed the 2016 remake of ‘The Jungle Book’ – admitted he is "excited" about the project.
In a tweet complete with emojis of a lion and a crown, he wrote: "Excited for my next project"
Disney also confirmed songs from the 1994 movie will feature in the new motion picture and admitted the movie is on the "fast-track to production".
Classic tunes from the film include ‘Circle of Life’, ‘I Just Can’t Wait to Be King’, ‘Be Prepared’, ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, which were written by Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice.
‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ played out over the credits and went on to win Best Original Song at the 1995 Academy Awards.
Disney has admitted the reimagining of ‘The Lion King’ will build on the success of similar movies, ‘Maleficent’, ‘Cinderella’, and the upcoming ‘Beauty and the Beast’."
Donald Glover cast in Lion King remake
