Disney unveiled the cast of its live-action version of "The Lion King" on Wednesday, and there were numerous exciting names on the list, including that of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. The multi Grammy-winning singer is slated to play Nala, Simba's childhood playmate and adult love interest. She'll star opposite rapper-slash-actor Donald Glover (Simba), who is also known by his stage name, Childish Gambino.
Beyoncé and Glover won't appear in the entire movie, as it includes young versions of Nala and Simba; they'll be played by Shahadi Wright Joseph and J.D. McCrary, respectively. Meanwhile, James Earl Jones (Mufasa), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), John Oliver (Zazu), and more also star.
#TheLionKing. 2019. 🦁👑 http://pic.twitter.com/UMJo18FwDt
— Disney (@Disney) November 1, 2017
Needless to say, the cast announcement got a huge response on social media, especially from Beyoncé fans. The Hive has been buzzing on Twitter, sharing all of their excitement and fitting GIFs.
Beyoncè confirmed she's gonna be voicing Nala in the new Lion King? An ICON playing the baddest bitch on pride rock. I LIVE http://pic.twitter.com/YJRAMn33Na
— Alluring Ivy✨ (@Drebae_) November 1, 2017
Beyoncé is going to be releasing B7 and she's doing Lion King. Release your music while you can cause when she comes you're done. http://pic.twitter.com/Sf54mXn9td
— Oblivion (@clearlyiconic) November 1, 2017
🚨 BEYONCÉ IS OFFICIALLY IN THE LION KING. BEYONCÉ WILL GET AN OSCAR. LADIES, THIS IS NOT A DRILL! 🚨http://pic.twitter.com/PJ6OD2PR6Z
— shook. (@chrstvphr) November 1, 2017
Donald Glover and Beyoncé as Simba and Nala in The Lion King.. http://pic.twitter.com/DU4RvtjJLA
— ً (@ncgans) November 1, 2017
BEYONCÉ IS OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED TO BE PLAYING NALA IN THE LIVE ACTION LION KING OH mYGODDD http://pic.twitter.com/R4ppXV2vdx
— wiLL (@WillScheid) November 1, 2017
Hans Zimmer is scoring Lion King again as well. Hans Zimmer with Donald Glover and Beyonce http://pic.twitter.com/zIDvRwCRDk
— Nobody (@LordBalvin) November 1, 2017
BEYONCÉ IS OFFICIALLY NALA IN THE LION KING AND I CAN ALREADY TELL THE SOUNDTRACK WILL SAVE MY LIFE http://pic.twitter.com/FEJQiQsKOP
— Beyoncé Facts (@beyceipts) November 1, 2017
the hive in theaters watching the lion king 2019 for beyoncé http://pic.twitter.com/CLGcT9DzBV
— lost twig (@lostwig) November 1, 2017
Disney: The Lion King 2019 ... Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala...
— Maxwell. (@Notorious_MAX) November 1, 2017
Me: http://pic.twitter.com/NTal65CFGj
the directors when beyonce came into the room to audition for lion king http://pic.twitter.com/hi1Q5silbB
— jemi👻 (@jemistella) November 1, 2017
Honey, I'll be able to show my kids The Lion King with Beyoncé. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
— Iesha Ivy (@baddieeey) November 1, 2017
I didn't think Lion King could get any better....
— Maggie Garcia🌻💙 (@H3FTY_L3FTY1218) November 1, 2017
but they put Beyoncè in it, so we all know it can happen
Me when I found out Beyoncé is playing Nala in the live action Lion King http://pic.twitter.com/YSGuBSpa6e
— Esther Peters (@estherrpeters) November 1, 2017
It looks like Disney has some serious box office gold on its hands here.
"The Lion King" is slated for release in 2019.