Beyonce May Star As Nala in Live-Action ‘The Lion King’

Who better to play “Queen of the Lions” than Queen Bey herself?

According to a report by Variety, Beyonce is the top choice to voice Nala, the childhood friend and eventual love interest of Simba, in the upcoming live-action The Lion King. Although director Jon Favreau allegedly has her as his first choice, Disney has not yet, “put a ring on it,” but it seems that they are willing to accommodate Beyonce in whatever way she may request (she is currently pregnant with twins).

James Earl Jones has already signed on to reprise his role as Mufasa, and Donald Glover has signed on to voice Simba. Favreau is also currently in development for the sequel for his smash hit The Jungle Book, but it is expected that The Lion King will take priority. Beyonce would be a great talent to be attached to the film, but we will have to await her decision. The film does not yet have a release date, but is expected to record voices this year.

The original The Lion King premiered in 1994, over 20 years ago, and was directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. Nala (adult age) was originally voiced by Moira Kelly. The film won two Oscars, one for Best Original Score and one for Best Original Song.

Disney is currently working on multiple live-action adaptation, with Mulan, Aladdin and Dumbo being the next films expected to be released in the upcoming few years.

Beyonce has not had a film role in some time, but has had many memorable roles in the past. Nearly a decade ago, she starred in the 2008 thriller Obsessed with Idris Elba, but the film received mixed reviews. Prior to that she starred as a member of a singing trio alongside Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose in the 2006 movie musical Dreamgirls. The film also starred Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx, and was directed by Bill Condon, who directed Disney’s recently released live-action Beauty and the Beast, which is currently breaking box office records. Beyonce’s first film role was alongside Mike Myers in the 2002 comedy Austin Powers: Goldmember.

Stay tuned for more updates about the live-action The Lion King.