Chiwetel Ejiofor May Join Live-Action ‘Lion King’ as Scar

The endless Disney live-action remakes continue! After films like Maleficent, Beauty and the Beast, and Cinderella, Disney continues to roll out their takes on old movies. It looks like the studio may have acquired another big talent too. Well-regarded actor and Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Martian) is currently in discussions with Disney to play Scar in their upcoming live-action recreation of the 90’s classic, The Lion King. Ejiofor has a knack for complex characters who serve as antagonists (such as his role in Serenity), and he definitely has the gravitas to pull of such an iconically villainous part.

So far, the film contains a lot of well-known (and sometimes unexpected names): James Earl Jones (Star Wars) as Mufasa; Donald Glover (Atlanta) as Simba; John Oliver (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) as Zazu; Billy Eichner (Parks and Recreation) as Timon; and Seth Rogen (Knocked Up) as Pumbaa.

Jon Favreau (Iron Man) will also be returning to claim his Disney live-action throne. After his work on The Jungle Book, he is ready to direct The Lion King.

Shooting has already begun, though there is still some time left before the film is ready for fans. Audiences can expect to see the new version of The Lion King to stampede into theaters on July 19, 2019.

Emily Chapman: News Editor || Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in English and a creative writing minor at Auburn University. Taking classes in film. Works on the prose section of the university lit magazine.
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