Director Jon Favreau is working on the live-action/CG reboot of the beloved animated film "The Lion King." (Photo : YouTube/The Lion King)
Disney's live-action reboot of "Lion King" is shaping up really well as more a-list stars are reported to be attached to the project. Most recently, Grammy-winning singer Beyonce is said to be the top choice to play Nala.
According to Variety, sources say Jon Favreau's top pick to voice Nala is Beyonce. The "Lemonade" singer has not made a final decision yet as she is currently pregnant with twins. However, it is said that the studio and Favreau is willing to accommodate Beyonce's schedule.
Due to her pregnancy, Beyonce dropped out of several activities. She was supposed to headline Coachella this April but Lady Gaga is taking her place at the event.
If Beyonce confirms her role in the "Lion King" live-action reboot, she will join Donald Glover and James Earl Jones who are voicing Simba and Mufasa, respectively. In the original animated movie, Nala is the childhood friend and love interest of Simba.
Moreover, this would be Beyonce's first voiceover role since she voiced Queen Tara in the 2013 hit animated film "Epic."
With Favreau directing "Lion King," the movie is expected to follow the same style as 2016's "The Jungle Book" remake wherein the animation will showcase realistic animals. It wasn't revealed, however, if "Lion King" will also feature the original songs from the animated film.
According to previous reports, "The Lion King" live action remake is based on a script written by Jeff Nathanson. Production for the movie is also being fast-tracked together with development for "The Jungle Book" sequel.
"The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide," Disney said in a statement.
"The Lion King" is one of Disney's most successful films ever and one of the most iconic animated movies of all time. The movie grossed $969 million worldwide. The movie also received an Academy Award for original song for Elton John and Time Rice's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." The original score for the film, which was composed by Hans Zimmer, also earned an Oscar.
