Disney has announced who will voice fan favourite pair Timon and Pumbaa for the live-action adaptation of Lion King. According to The Wrap, Parks and Recreation's actor Billy Eichner will be playing the role of the high-strung meerkat Timon, while Seth Rogen has been cast as his chilled out, friendly companion, Pumbaa. The casting decision has been met with widespread praise, with one fan tweeting: "Gotta say, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Timon and Pumba fits surprisingly well. #LionKing," while another added: "In a near-perfect casting move, Seth Rogen is Pumba in the upcoming Lion King movie. So excited."
READ: The Lion King remake has been cast – find out who will play Simba!
© Photo: Getty ImagesSeth and Billy will play Pumbaa and Timon respectively
The pair, who have taken over from Nathan Lane and Ernie Saballa, are joining Donald Glover, who will play Simba, and James Earl Jones, who will be reprising his role at Mufasa after voicing him in the 1994 animation. There have also been reports that Beyonce has been approached to play Nala, with Variety revealed that the director Jon Favreau and the studio will do "whatever it takes" to make the filming work with her hectic schedule.
The If I Were a Boy singer is currently expecting twins with her husband, Jay Z, and was forced to pull out of her performance at Coachella on doctor's orders. A statement read: "Following advice of doctors to keep a less rigorous schedule, Beyonce has made the decision to forgo performing at the 2017 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. However, Goldenvoice and Parkwood are pleased to confirm that she will be a headliner at the 2018 festival. Thank you for your understanding." She announced the exciting news at the beginning on the year, writing: "We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over. We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your well wishes. - The Carters."
