The British comedian will fill the role made famous by Rowan Atkinson in the 1994 animated original.
It has been conformed that John Oliver, currently best known as the host of Last Week Tonight in the US, will be providing the voice for Zazu in the live-action remake of 1994’s The Lion King. Disney fans will remember Zazu as the fussy, highly-strung royal adviser, voiced by veteran comedian Rowan Atkinson in the original. Oliver is joining a cast of conformed A-listers including Donald Glover as Simba and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. James Earl Jones is the only returning actor, once again providing the voice for Mufasa.
The new version of The Lion King will be the latest in a long line of live-action remakes of Disney’s animated classics, joining the likes of The Jungle Book, Pete’s Dragon, and most recently Beauty and the Beast.
The Lion King is scheduled for UK release on 19 July 2019.