Disney's upcoming remake of
The Lion King will be releasing in theatres in nine days, however, it premiered last night. At this star-studded event, Chance the Rapper revealed that he was enlisted to play a character in the film (via
Variety).
If you hadn't already guessed by his name, Chance the Rapper is an American rapper and songwriter. He's therefore a natural fit for the musical film which already stars such well-known singers as Beyoncé and Donald Glover - the latter musically being known as Childish Gambino.
Thus far, Chance the Rapper hasn't been included in any cast listings and whatnot, so this is the first we've heard of his apparent inclusion in the film. During the premiere event, he explained that initially he was brought onto the project as a "nostalgic consultant" of sorts - what with him apparently being a big fan of the original version of
The Lion King.
"Donald Glover called me. I was not in that movie. Donald and Jon Favreau, the director, are really close, obviously from this film. He told Jon early on that I was like the Lion King aficionado, which I am, and so Jon would have me come through and do nostalgic consulting. So like, telling him if the movie was too off, which it never was, it's been amazing from the jump."
Mr. The Rapper went on, revealing that he will be playing a new and minor character in the remake.
"One day Donald called me and was like, 'Yeah, would you wanna maybe go in and record some lines for a new character?' And I was like, 'Yes. Yes, Donald. Thank you, Donald.' And so yeah, he's the man. And Jon Favreau's the man."
You can watch the interview for yourself below:
Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King is set to arrive in theaters on July 19th, 2019.
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