University of Michigan alum James Earl Jones is slated to play Mufasa in Disney’s live-action remake of “The Lion King,” scheduled to come out in July 2019. He’ll be acting alongside Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala and Donald Glover as Simba.
He is the first actor to reprise his role in a live-action Disney remake.
Jones graduated in 1955 from the University, where he originally planned on being a pre-med major before transferring to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance after deciding his passion was not medicine.
While at the University, Jones was a member of the ROTC, and part of the Scabbard and Blade Honor Society. Jones has acted in severable notable roles since then, most memorably as Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in the original animated “Lion King.”
Fans are excited at the prospect of seeing Jones act alongside some of their favorite celebrities.