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Comedian John Oliver to voice Zazu in Disney’s “The Lion King” remake

in Movies, Movies & TV, Television, The Walt Disney Company

Posted on by Mike Celestino 1 Comment
An entertainer in a sharp suit interacts with Zazu, the animated hornbill from Disney’s The Lion King remake, known for his comical personality and distinctive voice by John Oliver, as they delight theme park guests.

Welcome, welcome, welcome! As reported by entertainment news website The Wrap in an exclusive story (UPDATE: and confirmed by Entertainment Weekly), British comedian John Oliver (of “The Daily Show,” “Community,” and most recently the acclaimed comedy news series”Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” on HBO) has joined the cast of Disney’s new remake of “The Lion King” as the uptight red-billed hornbill bird Zazu.

Oliver joins previously-announced cast members Donald Glover (as Simba), Billy Eichner (as Timon), Seth Rogen (as Pumbaa), and the returning James Earl Jones (as Mufasa). The film will be directed by Jon Favreau of “Iron Man” and “The Jungle Book.”

Blue Disney-style bird with an orange beak and feet, standing on reddish ground in a thoughtful pose, evoking Zazu as famously voiced by John Oliver in The Lion King attractions.

In the original “The Lion King” movie, Zazu acts as an aide to King Mufasa and assists the young Simba in claiming his birthright throne from his evil uncle Scar. The character was played in the 1994 version by another British comedian, Rowan Atkinson (“Mr. Bean”), so the casting of John Oliver continues that tradition nicely.

John Oliver, channeling his iconic Zazu character from The Lion King, stands center stage in a sharp suit and glasses, extending a microphone toward the audience under dramatic lighting.

Disney’s “The Lion King” is currently scheduled to be released in the summer of 2019.

in Movies, Movies & TV, Television, The Walt Disney Company

Mike Celestino

After growing up on Long Island, Mike has spent his adult life in Southern California. He’s been fascinated by theme parks since a very early age, and has contributed to Inside the Magic since April of 2015. His other interests include Star Wars, LEGO, and The Muppets.

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