The 30 second TV spot for Disney’s “live-action” The Lion King features the voice of Beyoncé as Nala. Times are difficult for the pride and it’s up to Simba to step forward and take his place as king.
The 30 second trailer ends with a shot of Pumbaa and Timon declaring they’ve arrived to back up the new king.
The Lion King‘s cast includes Donald Glover (Atlanta, Solo: A Star Wars Story) as Simba and Beyoncé (Dreamgirls) as Simba’s friend and love interest, Nala. James Earl Jones (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) is Mufasa, Simba’s father. Jones also voiced the role in the 1994 animated film.
Chiwetel Ejiofor (Twelve Years a Slave, Doctor Strange) provides the voice of the film’s villain, Scar. Alfre Woodard (Luke Cage) gives voice to Simba’s mother, Sarabi, and JD McCrary (Tyler Perry’s The Paynes) took on the job of voicing Young Simba. Shahadi Wright Joseph (Broadway’s The Lion King) is the voice of Young Nala.
The colorful cast of animals who help Simba on his journey include John Kani (Captain America: Civil War) as Rafiki and John Oliver (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) as Zazu the hornbill. Seth Rogen (Neighbors) is Pumbaa the warthog and Billy Eichner (American Horror Story) portray’s Pumbaa’s best friend, Timon the meerkat. Florence Kasumba (Emerald City) is Shenzi, Eric André (Man Seeking Woman) is Azizi, and Keegan-Michael Key (Friends From College) is Kamari.
The Lion King will open in theaters on July 19, 2019.
The Lion King Plot:
“Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau (The Jungle Book), journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.”
