Beyonc-joins-cast-of-Disney-s-live-action-Lion-King-596519

The film is set for release on July 19, 2019

Beyoncé will be a part of Disney's upcoming live-action version of its beloved animated film, "The Lion King," the company announced on Wednesday.

The singer will be playing the character of Nala, a lion who is the love interest of the film's protagonist, Simba.

She'll join an all-star cast announced in February that includes Donald Glover as Simba and James Earl Jones, who is reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Mufasa.

Others stars in the cast include Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Alfre Woodard.

The film, which is directed by Jon Favreau, will be a "new take" on the now classic story of the lions of Pride Rock and will feature "pioneering filmmaking techniques," according to Disney.

It is set for release on July 19, 2019.

"The Lion King" is among several live action reboots of Disney animated classics.

The brand has included big box office hits "Cinderella," "The Jungle Book" (a film that was also directed by Favreau), and most recently, "Beauty and the Beast," which has made more than $1.2 billion worldwide.

"The Lion King, which included popular songs like "Circle of Life," made $968 million at the global box office and spawned a successful and long-running Broadway show.