The Lion King fans, rejoice: Beyoncé has officially joined the cast of the film’s live-action adaption as none other than Nala.
Queen Bey made the announcement on Facebook Wednesday evening, sharing a photo that featured the entire Lion King cast. Earlier this year, the film’s director Jon Favreau announced that The Lion King would be coming out on July 19, 2019. There’s been major buzz over the past couple of months about who would be in the upcoming movie. Back in March, sources speculated that Beyoncé was the first choice for the role. And now we’ve heard it from the queen herself.
Joining Bey for the adaption are Donald Glover as Simba; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar; Alfre Woodard as Sarabi; John Oliver as Zazu; John Kani as Rafiki; Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon; Eric Andre as Azizi; Florence Kasuma as Shenzi; Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari; JD McCrary as Young Simba; and Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala. James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa.
After news broke, fans quickly voice their excitement on Twitter. One person tweeted, “Beyoncé a legend starring as a legend(Nala) in the most legendary Disney Film. Circle of life #TheLionKing.” Others have also noted by how amazing a Disney soundtrack with Beyoncé would be.
Beyoncé a legend starring as a legend(Nala) in the most legendary Disney Film. Circle of life #TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/qXftWIDyaJ
— Johnny Boy ☮ (@JohnTheFame) November 1, 2017
BEYONCÉ IS OFFICIALLY NALA IN THE LION KING AND I CAN ALREADY TELL THE SOUNDTRACK WILL SAVE MY LIFE pic.twitter.com/FEJQiQsKOP
— Beyoncé Facts (@beyceipts) November 1, 2017
BEYONCÉ IS OFFICIALLY NALA IN THE LION KING AND I ALREADY KNOW THE SOUNDTRACK WILL BE INCREDIBLE pic.twitter.com/9GxcXV5ggF
— Denizcan James (@MrFilmkritik) November 1, 2017
Donald Glover, Beyonce, James Earl Jones, Chiwetel, Alfre… pic.twitter.com/nJWBZJ7gJG
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) November 1, 2017
Beyoncè confirmed she’s gonna be voicing Nala in the new Lion King? An ICON playing the baddest bitch on pride rock. I LIVE pic.twitter.com/YJRAMn33Na
— Alluring Ivy✨ (@Drebae_) November 1, 2017