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Donald Glover and James Earl Jones to Star in Disney's New Live-Action Lion King

The pair will take on main roles in the upcoming film.

Two-time Tony winner James Earl Jones will star in a live-action remake of The Lion King.
Two-time Tony winner James Earl Jones will star in a live-action remake of The Lion King.
(© David Gordon)

Disney has announced that film and television star Donald Glover and Broadway's James Earl Jones are set to star in an upcoming live-action adaptation of The Lion King. Jon Favreau will direct, with Jeff Nathanson slated to write.

In addition to The Lion King, Disney's other recent and upcoming live-action remakes include The Jungle Book, also directed by Jon Favreau, Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh, and The Beauty and the Beast, directed by Bill Condon. The Oscar-nominated 1994 animated feature version of The Lion King has grossed more than $968 million worldwide and inspired the long-running Tony-nominated musical, directed by Julie Taymor.

Glover is best known for his role on the comedy Community and various film roles. He will take on the role of Simba in the film. James Earl Jones, a Broadway mainstay and Tony winner, will reprise the role of Mufasa, which he voiced in the original. Jones was last seen on Broadway in The Gin Game.

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