John Oliver to Reportedly Play Zazu in The Lion King
From talk-show host to voicing a red-billed hornbill.
John Oliver will reportedly voice the red-billed hornbill Zazu in Disney's upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King.
TheWrap reports Oliver will play the uptight but helpful bird who acts as an adviser to King Mufasa and eventually Simba.
John Oliver hosting Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Oliver has done voice work for animated films in the past, including playing Vanity Smurf in The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2. He also has a role in Paramount's upcoming animated comedy Amusement Park.
Zazu character was voiced by Rowan Atkinson in the 1994 animated classic. Edward Hibbert then took over the role for several sequels and spinoffs, including The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1½, and the Timon & Pumbaa TV series.
Zazu from Disney's animated film The Lion King
The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, opens in theaters on July 19, 2019.
The film's confirmed voice cast includes Donald Glover (Simba), James Earl Jones (Mufasa), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), and Billy Eichner (Timon). Beyonce Knowles is reportedly the top choice to voice Nala, but there's no word yet if she's officially on board.
Alex Gilyadov is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
