The new live-action The Lion King movie was a commercial success and was well received by countless Disney fans around the world. The musical drama film creatively reimagined 1994’s The Lion King. But with a lot of the voice acting changes, people have wondered, “Who played Simba in the new Lion King movie?” Here’s the answer!
![Who Played Simba in the New Lion King Movie? Here’s the Answer. [Source: Disney]](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4leLk1dZcpO76Vw-NydEU-seVw2Qfc_l3suF_nI59hNap-fP_ZL7CPEUmY1KXNNFLT6zc1b3rUtwb6Hi0BiAjidj50mi4Te7X1a3IgNuY06XD_qiuM7OYxmzy5c49oFqCaeECp50)
Who Plays Simba in the New Lion King Movie?
The photorealistic computer-animated remake tells the now beloved story of the lion Simba.
![Donald Glover as Adult Simba in the New Lion King Live Action Movie [Source: Disney]](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/DF7fBWbfd0h024uq1jNSvi70ZokEqwrgAttdGf3qb2zchUIuURF3NRa6f6SBFeUBjj1vfx3RhPAaganwygSVldnjRgk0tu7k5DQM2zPHHae67A5iVBMMvdOkzmA2TRck1aW7QF7I)
The movie is set on a photorealistic computer-animated sequence following the creatures’ voiced animation as they embark on their perilous journey within the Pride lands.
With this newest version, the movie’s casting director, Sarah Finn, proposed adding more diversity towards the film’s voice.
The legendary actor James Earl Jones reprised his role as Mufasa, 25 years after his original role as Mufasa in the Walt Disney animated film The Lion King (1994).
Powerful actors joined the cast as well:
- Beyoné — Nala
- Seth Rogen — Pumba
- Billy Eichner — Timon
- Chiwetel Ejiofor — Scar
- John Oliver — Zazu
- Alfre Woodard — Sarabi
But who voiced Simba in the new Lion King movie? That would be Donald Glover, AKA Childish Gambino!
Donald Glover got a chance to play the film’s main protagonist, and of course he absolutely nailed it.
Note: The young Simba is voiced by JD McCrary, a thirteen-year-old aspiring singer, dancer, and actor from Los Angeles, California.
Who Is Donald Glover?
Donald Glover has produced award-winning music, film, and TV shows. He’s known far and wide for his performance on shows such as Community and Atlanta.
He raps and performs musically as Childish Gambino, and he even occasionally DJs under the nickname mcDJ.
Glover’s America won several awards, including Grammys, BET Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards.
Who Else Auditioned for the Role of Simba in the Live-Action Lion King?
Chance the Rapper actually also auditioned for the voice of Simba.
Even though he didn’t get the part, Chance the Rapper still provided some voiceover acting for the film, including special voiced sound effects and dialogue.
Matthew Broderick, the original voice actor of adult Simba from the original 1994 movie, believed that Donald Glover fits the role of Simba and that the director made the perfect choice for his former position.
Fun fact: teen heartthrob Jonathan Taylor Thomas (AKA, JTT) played the young Simba in the original 1994 film.
Wrap Up
If you’re like me, you loved the new The Lion King movie. And a big part of that was Donald Glover’s performance as the leading man lion, Simba.
If you haven’t seen it it yet, check out the live-action film trailer below, listen to Beyonce as Nala, or watch the movie on Disney Plus!
Have a magical day!
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