Donald Glover to Play Simba in ‘Lion King’ Remake

Donald Glover has agreed to portray Simba in a remake of the 1994 animated Disney classic, The Lion King.

The remake is going to be directed by Jon Favreau who announced the casting news on his Twitter account. He also revealed that veteran thespian James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa, the father of Simba, in the original film.

Favreau is capable of remaking a Disney classic. Last year, he delivered a live-action version of The Jungle Book.

Although The Lion King won’t be live-action, the director plans to bring some of those elements to the new project by using innovative technology and green screen to make the animals almost human-like.

Favreau has been admiring Glover from afar, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “By the way, full disclosure: I see your face every day when I wake up my 15-year-old son because on his door is a portrait of you,” he told Glover during an “Epic Conversation” for the publication. “It’s just you looking very handsome, staring at me as I’m waking my son up He knows you through your music. I came up in the improv community, so I know you more through that. And we’re both a little bit nerdy and into comics and stuff.”

Glover is making some big moves in Hollywood. The 33-year-old creative expanded his production deal with FX, which is home to the Golden Globe-winning series Atlanta. He will also play Lando Calrissian in a Star Wars-based Han Solo movie.

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