Lion King star set to reprise his role for live action remake

James Earl Jones - who provided the voice of Simba's father Mufasa in the original cartoon - is returning for The Lion King remake.

Director Jon Favreau - who helmed the 2016 remake of The Jungle Book - posted a picture of James ob Twitter, writing: "Looking forward to working with this legend. #Mufasa." 

He also revealed that Donald Glover has been cast as the beloved Disney protagonist, Simba, reported the Daily Mail.

The 33-year-old actor and rapper - who will also star in the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars spin-off.

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Jon shared a photo of Donald as well and wrote: "I just can't wait to be king. #Simba."

Disney also confirmed songs from the 1994 movie will feature in the new motion picture and revealed the movie is on the "fast-track to production".

Disney has admitted the reimagining of The Lion King will build on the success of similar movies, Maleficent, Cinderella, and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast.

- Daily Mail