The cast of the 2019 live-action Lion King film, which has surfaced in bits and whispers over the past few months, was finally made whole Wednesday night.
It’s an extremely well-put-together ensemble. I’d venture to say this is one of only a very few combinations of casting choices that could convince me to watch another Lion King movie; it’s a franchise I’ve indulged in since around the time I started forming memories.
Standouts among the cast include Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala (confirming rumors that have been circulating since April), and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. I’m also happy to see John Oliver play a meaty and entirely appropriate role while he waits in the wings to portray Steve Mnuchin in the post-Trump years (hello, optimism). Donald Glover and James Earl Jones were among those cast earlier this year, but it can’t hurt to be reminded how good this should all turn out. It’s officially Jon Favreau’s movie to spoil. The full cast, per Disney, is below:
The film is set to be released July 19, 2019.