SA Actor John Kani Joins Beyonce & Star-Studded Cast for Lion King Remake
South Africa’s legendary actor John Kani is joining a star-studded cast – led by Beyonce – for the remake of Lion King, which is set for release in July 2019. The 74-year-old actor, director and playwright has been given the role of Rafiki. (Robert Guillaume, who played the part in the 1994 original, passed away […]
South Africa’s legendary actor John Kani is joining a star-studded cast – led by Beyonce – for the remake of Lion King, which is set for release in July 2019.
The 74-year-old actor, director and playwright has been given the role of Rafiki. (Robert Guillaume, who played the part in the 1994 original, passed away last week at the age of 89 from prostate cancer.)
Beyonce confirmed she will star as the voice of Nala in the upcoming remake of the Disney classic. Simba will be voiced by Donald Glover.
James Earl Jones reprises his role as Mufasa, while British comedian John Oliver will replace Rowan Atkinson as the voice of Zazu the hornbill.
Seth Rogan will star as Pumba the warthog, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar.
Director Jon Favreau, who directed last year’s The Jungle Book, says: “It is a director’s dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life.”
SA’s iconic actor Kani will turn 75 at the end of this month. He was born Bonsile John Kani in the Eastern Cape and is known for his roles in The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) and Final Solution (2001). Last year South Africans were delighted to spot him in a cameo role in Captain America: Civil War.
#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 pic.twitter.com/rSDPkE6nWk
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) November 1, 2017
