While there are folks that are probably still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that Barry Jenkins is going to direct the upcoming ‘Lion King’ prequel film, they’re going to have to reckon with their surprise sooner rather than later, as we’re starting to get casting news on who is going to provide voices for the “live-action” Disney film.
According to Deadline, the cast for “The Lion King” prequel film from director Barry Jenkins will be led by Kelvin Harrison, Jr. and Aaron Pierre. It is being reported that Harrison, Jr. will voice the coveted role of Mufasa in the film, while Pierre will lend his vocal talents for Taka, aka Scar. The exact plot for the film is still unknown, but it is expected that Disney will utilize the same CGI process that was used for Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King” remake for the new prequel. It’s being called “live-action” even though the process uses absolutely no real animals or sets.
Harrison, Jr. is one of the best up-and-coming actors working today. He’s had some incredible performances in features such as “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “Waves,” and “Luce.” While he has been acting for many years, he first landed on film fans’ radars after a great role in the thriller, “It Comes At Night.” Pierre, on the other hand, is probably best known for his recent TV role on the Amazon series, “The Underground Railroad,” which was written and directed by Jenkins.
As for the rest of the names already announced as working on the prequel, we have Jeff Nathanson returning to script it after writing the 2019 remake. And for music, Disney already revealed that Hans Zimmer is returning and will craft the music alongside Pharrell and frequent Jenkins collaborator, Nicholas Britell.
A release date for “The Lion King” prequel has yet to be announced.