John Kani, Kagiso Lediga, and Thuso Mbedu – three talented South Africans – have been revealed to be part of the cast of Disney’s new Mufasa: The Lion King.
Comedian and actor Lediga will portray the role of the young Rafiki, while veteran actor John Kani will play the older Rafiki.
Mbedu has been cast as one of the additional voices in the film.
The Barry Jenkins-helmed musical will serve as both an origin story and a follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 box office smash The Lion King.
Beyoncé joins the voice cast
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Blue Ivy Carter are among those selected to be part of the voice cast.
The trailer, which was released on Monday, revealed that Blue Ivy Carter will make her film debut by voicing Kiara, the daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.
Her mother, Beyoncé, will reprise her role as Nala in the 2019 film.
The film tells the backstory of Simba’s father, Mufasa, an orphan who grew up to be a wise, powerful, and compassionate ruler.
It will be available in theatres in December.
Lebo M part of music team
The cast also includes Donald Glover as Simba (reprising his role in the 2019 film); Tiffany Boone as Sarabi; Preston Nyman as Zazu; Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride; Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe; Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi; Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia; and Keith David as Mufasa’s father.
South African musician and composer Lebo M, who has produced music for The Lion King, will once again be part of the music team for this new movie.
He will provide additional music with Lin Manuel Miranda, who is writing the film’s songs.
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