As Disney continues to cast up its highly anticipatedlive-actionThe Lion King, it appears the Mouse House has settled on its Scar.The Wrapreports that Oscar-nominated12 Years a SlaveactorChiwetel Ejioforis currently in talks to take on the villainous role in the live-action redo. DirectorJon Favreausigned on to helmThe Lion Kingshortly after the success of his cutting edge take onThe Jungle Book, but unlike that film,The Lion Kingwill be a bona fide musical. Ejiofor showed off his singing chops in the feature filmKinky Boots, so get ready for the actor to bust out “Be Prepared.”
Jeremy Ironsvoiced the role of Scar in Disney’s critically acclaimed 1994 film, but Favreau has been knocking it out of the park in terms of casting for the “live-action” update (it’ll be mostly CG, just likeJungle Book, so “live-action” is a bit of a stretch).Donald Gloveris set as Simba, while the irreplaceableJames Earl Jonesis reprising his role as Mufasa. Favreau has also setSeth RogenandBilly Eichneras Pumbaa and Timon, respectively, andJohn Oliverjust signed on to play Zazu. Moreover, the studio is still reportedly pursuingBeyoncefor the role of Nala.
Ejiofor most recently made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Mordo inDoctor Strangeand will be seen this fall in directorGarthDavis' (Lion) highly anticipated Biblical dramaMary Magdalene, in which he plays Peter.The Lion Kingis set for release on August 15, 2025.
To catch up on all of Disney’s live-action remakes in the works,click here.
