Ever since Jon Favreau’s remake of The Lion King was first announced, casting details have come out little by little. First we learned that Donald Glover would be voicing Simba while James Earl Jones returned to play Mufasa. Later it was revealed that funny men Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen would play the famed duo Timon and Pumba, John Oliver would voice hornbill Zazu, and Chiwetel Ejiofor would take on the villainous role of Scar. Yet there was one casting rumor that was more prevalent any other: Beyoncé Knowles-Cater as Nala. Now, with a tweet posted to the Walt Disney Studios account, Beyoncé’s participation has been confirmed:
As you can see, the full cast also includes Alfre Woodard, Eric Andre, John Kani, Florence Kasumba, and Keegan-Michael Key. Additionally, JD McCrary will play the younger Simba while Shahadi Wright Joseph will voice young Nala. The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, is slated to roar into theatres July 19th, 2019.