The Cast Of John Favereau's 'Lion King' Has Been Unveiled, And It's...It's Perfect

Disney’s about to print money with The Last Jedi in December, and with that money, they’re gonna need to buy more money printers to prepare for John Favereau’s “live action” Lion King movie, because this thing’s making a quick bil’ instantly. This flick would make ten figures if this cast announcement was the only promotional material released too, because I don’t know if I’ve ever seen more perfect, spot-on casting choices for a remake of such a beloved movie…and this is maybe THE most beloved movie ever.

We’ve known about Donald Glover as Simba/James Earl Jones as Mufasa since February, and I adore both of these calls. Glover’s never disappointed in anything, he can flip that switch from innocent young cub to crisp lion you wouldn’t cross in a billion years, and he’s got a singing voice to die for. He’s gonna belt out “I just can’t WAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIT to be king!” and people are gonna stand up and cheer in the theaters, high fiving their buddies, and hugging whoever’s next to them. Mark my words.

James Earl Jones is the man, the myth, and the legend, and you don’t fucking take Mufasa away from him. Good on Disney for realizing this.

Beyonce as Nala is one of those “Of course!” castings for me. She’s been announced in this role for a few hours and I already can’t imagine anyone in the world but her playing Nala (other than Moira Kelly I guess).

Timon and Pumbaa are arguably the most important roles in the film, as their comedic relief provides a platform for so many things to be built upon, so I bet they thought long and hard about who could possibly due their voices justice. Who in the world could deliver these jokes as Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella did over twenty years ago? Then, somebody in power watched this:

YEP! FUCKIN’ YEP!

The rest of the supporting cast is really solid as well, John Oliver, Key, Eric Andre…my only disappointment is not getting anyone from the original broadway cast of Hamilton. That’s not even a knock on Disney or Favereau, either, because I’m disappointed with each and every movie they’re not in. Put Daveed Diggs in every single movie. Or Leslie Odom Jr. Or Phillipa Soo. Or Renee Elise Goldsberry. You get the point.

P.S. Imagine this movie made like nine hundred million dollars and was a “disappointment”? Ha!