The new Lion King film, set to be released July 19, 2019 will be an adaptation from the 1994 original and will be live action.  The film, directed by Jon Favreau and will be “a new take”  on the classic original story.

According to Disney, the cast will include roles by Donald Glover as Simba, Beyonce as Simba’s friend, turned love interest, Nala, James Earl Jones will reprise his role as as Simba’s father, Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Simba’s villainous uncle, Scar, Alfre Woodard as Simba’s mother, Sarabi, JD McCarry as the young Simba, and Shahadi Wright Joseph as young Nala.

In addition, John Kani will play wise baboon, Rafiki, John Oliver will be telling everyone what to do as Hornbill Zazu, Seth Rogen, will present his comedic side that he is known for to play the warthog, Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner will play the role as the companion to Rogen’s character, the meerkat, Timon. Other well known celebrities included in the cast are Florence Kasumba, Eric Andre, and Keegan Micheal Key as the trouble making hyenas.

The original film directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff was the highest grossing animated film for 16 years until Toy Story 3 came out in 2010. Disney announced this live action Lion King movie back in 2016, but movie goers will have to wait two years for its debut in July of 2019.

Look for upcoming media news or a teaser trailer in the future from Disney.