Disney took to Twitter on Wednesday (November 1) to drop an atomic bomb on film and music fans alike. The movie-making powerhouse is releasing a live action version of The Lion King, which will star Beyonce as Nala and Donald Glover as Simba.
Directed by Jon Favreau, the film is expected to arrive in summer 2019. Other notable actors/comedians cast in the film include Eric André, James Earl Jones (who was in the original 1994 animated version), Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogan and Keegan-Michael Key.
#TheLionKing. 2019. ?? pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt
— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017
Following Disney’s announcement, Beyonce made it Facebook-official, writing simply, “#TheLionKing 2019.”
Several of the original songs are reportedly going to be featured in this live-action remake. Disney gave The Jungle Book a similar treatment last year, and the film went on to become a box office triumph, grossing nearly $1 billion worldwide.
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Understandably, social media went wild after learning about the dream cast. But Beyonce’s appearance seemed to excite people the most.
Check out some of the best reactions below.
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
When the Lion King comes out Blue will be 7 and Rumi and Sir will be 2. pic.twitter.com/pAd8vTpHY3
— Beysus † Godga (@BeyLovesGaga) November 1, 2017
me at the movie theater first in line for #TheLionKing, ready to fight all the children for my ticket: pic.twitter.com/GD5gdcLYYH
— Sir Carter (@WrittenByTerry) November 1, 2017
the world after finding out donald glover is simba & beyoncé is nala in #thelionking. pic.twitter.com/tBtJCXB8Dz
— ? (@fkajack) November 1, 2017
Whatever the record is for movie soundtrack sales, I’m pretty sure Disney’s new ‘The Lion King’ just broke it by casting Beyoncé as Nala. pic.twitter.com/TCv3td6e1I
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 1, 2017
Beyoncé a legend starring as a legend(Nala) in the most legendary Disney Film. Circle of life #TheLionKingpic.twitter.com/qXftWIDyaJ
— Johnny Boy ☮ (@JohnTheFame) November 1, 2017
When I saw #TheLionKing cast announcement pic.twitter.com/5zuVOPStP3
— deerd?gg? @ MFF (@syrianbryn) November 1, 2017
the hive in theaters watching the lion king 2019 for beyoncé pic.twitter.com/CLGcT9DzBV
— lost twig (@lostwig) November 1, 2017
The Lion King soundtrack with Beyoncé vocals pic.twitter.com/WmyI2nAJbH
— georgia (@lemonadenormani) November 1, 2017
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSS. pic.twitter.com/VpTlEWZKZW
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) November 1, 2017
THE BEST DISNEY OF ALL TIME WITH THE GREATEST PERFORMER OF ALL TIME. A CONCEPT #TheLionKingpic.twitter.com/Re8r1G33Hr
— Distributeur2bonheur (@DaKingKK) November 1, 2017
Blue Ivy, Sir Carter and Rumi are going to listen to their momma‘s voice while watching #TheLionKingpic.twitter.com/8hLSq4CjMA
— MI EDGES (@supersaiyanbey) November 1, 2017
