Beyonce and Kani in ‘Lion King’

Beyonce… in line to play Nala in the live-action film remake of *The Lion Kin*g.

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BY BILLY SUTER

WORD is out that not only will South African theatre legend John Kani be appearing in the live-action film version of the Disney musical success, The Lion King, but hit-maker Beyonce has reportedly now also joined the cast.

Kani, now 74, who appeared as King T’Chaka in the Marvel studios hit, Captain America: Civil War, and will reprise that role in Black Panther, is to provide the voice of the wise baboon Rafiki, the royal advisor, in the new film.

The remake, which will mix live action and computer-generated imagery, will be directed by Jon Favreau, who made the recent live-action remake of The Jungle Book. It is expected on screen in 2019.

John Kani as he appeared on the poster of his play, *Missing*.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter , to give her full name, will reportedly be filling the role of lioness Nala, childhood pal and later the wife of the title character, Simba, the voice of which will be provided in the new film by Donald Glover, a 34-year-old actor, rapper, songwriter and producer.

Glover has been seen in The Martian, Magic Mike XXl and has also been cast the young Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Beyonce has been seen on the silver screen in the films Epic, Obsessed, Dreamgirls, Austin Powers in Goldmember.

Playbill has reported that among other cast members for the new film are Keegan Michael-Key, recently seen Off-Broadway in Hamlet, as Kamari; and Eric André as Azizi.

Florence Kasumba will play Shenzi, J D McCrary the Young Simba, and Shahadi Wright Joseph (an alum Broadway’s The Lion King) the Young Nala, adds a Playbill report.

James Earl Jones will portray Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor will play Scar, John Oliver will feature as Zazu, Seth Rogen plays Pumbaa, Alfre Woodard plays Sarabi, and Billy Eichner portrays Timon, adds Playbill.