Disney has just announced the cast for the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King which includes Beyoncé, James Earl Jones (who will be reprising his role as Mufasa, Simba’s father) and Donald Glover (who will play the protagonist, Simba).

The queen of pop will be paired alongside Glover to play Nala, Simba’s betrothed, with no word yet as to whether the role will be rewritten to reflect Yoncé’s fierce persona.

Similarly, there has been no indication if new music that is not found in the original animated film or the stage musical will make it into the film.

Joining Queen Bey in the remake slated to hit cinemas in summer 2019 is a varied cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, comedians Billy Eichner and Seth Rogan as Timon and Pumba, and John Oliver as Zazu, Mufasa’s majordomo.

Disney tweeted a photo of those confirmed to be starring in the film saying: “#TheLionKing. 2019. ”

#TheLionKing. 2019. ?? pic.twitter.com/rSDPkE6nWk

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) November 1, 2017

Copycat

Some have questioned the need for live-action remakes of these Disney films, citing “overdone” CGI animation as one reason not to revive these classic animations.

However, the incredible box-office success of this year’s Beauty and the Beast, a film which grossed over $1.2 billion, is likely to prompt Disney to create even more live-action remakes.

The animated Disney film upon which this remake is based originally hit theatres in 1994, becoming an instant success and winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike, with a solid 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film was nominated for several awards, winning two Golden Globes and two Academy Awards with the music taking centre stage and Hans Zimmer’s score winning both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award

Are you filled with #BeyPride for the upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King or does the 1994 version hold a special place in your heart? Let us know in the comments below.