5 Shocking New Details About Simba's Voice Actor: Donald Glover's Dual Life And The 2024 Prequel

The question of who voiced Simba in the 2019 "live-action" (CGI-animated) version of Disney's *The Lion King* is a simple answer with a complex, multi-layered story behind it. The adult Simba was voiced by the prolific actor, writer, director, and musician, Donald Glover, a true modern renaissance man whose career has only exploded since the film's release. As of late , the biggest news is not his 2019 performance, but his highly anticipated return to Pride Rock in the December 2024 prequel, *Mufasa: The Lion King*, a project that sees him sharing the screen—and a character lineage—with a very famous co-star's daughter.

Donald Glover's involvement brought a fresh, contemporary energy to the iconic role, previously voiced by Matthew Broderick in the 1994 animated classic. His casting alongside Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala) was a major event, but his life since then—including his final album release as Childish Gambino and his return to the *Star Wars* universe—has cemented him as one of Hollywood's most dynamic forces. This deep dive explores the man behind the lion, the latest updates on his career, and the surprising details about the upcoming sequel.

The Multi-Talented Roar: Donald Glover's Complete Profile

Donald Glover is a true polymath, achieving critical and commercial success across multiple creative fields. His career trajectory is a unique blend of comedy, drama, music, and writing, making him one of the most significant entertainers of his generation. Below is a snapshot of the man who brought the future King of the Pride Lands to life.

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• Full Name: Donald McKinley Glover
• Born: September 25, 1983 (currently 42 years old)
• Birthplace: Edwards Air Force Base, California, U.S.
• Notable Aliases: Childish Gambino (musical stage name)
• Education: New York University's Tisch School of the Arts (Dramatic Writing)
• Breakthrough Role (TV): Writer for *30 Rock* (2006–2009)
• Major Acting Roles: Troy Barnes in *Community* (2009–2014), Earn Marks in *Atlanta* (2016–2022), Lando Calrissian in *Solo: A Star Wars Story* (2018), and Simba in *The Lion King* (2019).
• Major Musical Works (as Childish Gambino): "Redbone," "This Is America," *Awaken, My Love!*, and the 2024 release *Bando Stone & the New World*.
• Awards: Multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Grammy Awards.

The Latest Update: Childish Gambino's Final Bow and Health Scare

In a major update for 2024, Donald Glover released his fifth and final album under the Childish Gambino moniker, titled *Bando Stone & the New World*. The album's release was part of a major creative push that included a world tour, which was abruptly canceled in October 2024. Glover later revealed he had suffered a stroke during the tour, marking a serious health update for the star. Despite this setback, the actor remains committed to his upcoming film and television projects, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his craft.

From *Atlanta* to Pride Rock: The Voice of Adult Simba (2019)

Donald Glover was cast as the adult Simba in Jon Favreau's 2019 photorealistic animated remake of *The Lion King*. The film, often referred to as "live-action" due to its groundbreaking CGI technology, was a massive global success, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide. Glover's performance was lauded for bringing a grounded, emotional depth to the exiled prince who must eventually accept his destiny.

His casting was a significant cultural moment, aligning him with other major stars in the ensemble, including James Earl Jones, who reprised his iconic role as Mufasa, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as the villainous Scar. Glover's musical talent was also a key factor, as he performed classic songs like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" alongside Beyoncé, whose powerful voice breathed new life into Nala.

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Glover approached the role with a deep respect for the original material while infusing Simba with his own brand of thoughtful vulnerability. He captured the character's journey from a carefree youth living by the "Hakuna Matata" philosophy to a burdened adult who must confront his past to save the Pride Lands.

The Next Generation: Simba's Return in *Mufasa: The Lion King* (2024)

The most current and exciting news for fans of the franchise is Donald Glover’s confirmed return as Simba in the prequel film, *Mufasa: The Lion King*, slated for release in December 2024. This film serves as both a prequel and a sequel, using Simba as the narrator to recount the origin story of his father, Mufasa, to his own cub.

The new film, directed by Barry Jenkins (known for the Oscar-winning *Moonlight*), delves into Mufasa's history as an orphan who is befriended by a young lion named Taka—the future Scar. Glover’s role as the narrator-king is central to framing the epic tale for the next generation of the Pride Lands.

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The Surprising New Voice in the Cast: Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara

In a surprising and high-profile casting announcement, Donald Glover's Simba will be speaking to a very special cub: Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. The voice actor for Kiara is none other than Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala) and Jay-Z. This marks a significant moment for the franchise, as the children of the two lead actors are now voicing the next generation of characters, bringing a unique, real-life connection to the fictional family.

The cast for the prequel is a blend of new and returning talent, including Aaron Pierre as the young Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, and the return of Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) and Billy Eichner (Timon).

The Forgotten Prince: Who Voiced Young Simba?

While Donald Glover is the recognizable name behind the adult lion, the powerful and emotional performance of the cub in the 2019 film was delivered by a young actor with a remarkable voice: JD McCrary.

JD McCrary, who was a rising star in his own right, brought a youthful exuberance and impressive vocal range to the role. He performed the iconic song "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" and captured the playful, yet reckless, nature of the young prince. McCrary’s talent was so evident that he was able to hold his own alongside his older co-stars, ensuring the transition between young and adult Simba felt seamless and authentic. His work is a testament to the depth of talent Disney sought out for the entire cast of *The Lion King* (2019).

Topical Authority: The Legacy of Simba's Voice

The choice of Donald Glover as the voice of Simba in the 2019 film and his subsequent return for the 2024 prequel solidifies his status as a key figure in the Disney legacy. His ability to navigate the worlds of music (as Childish Gambino, releasing his final album and dealing with major life events in 2024), television (*Atlanta*), and film (*Star Wars*, *The Lion King*) makes him the perfect modern voice for a character defined by his journey of self-discovery and destiny.

The combined effort of Glover, JD McCrary, and the rest of the star-studded cast ensured that the photorealistic remake was not just a visual spectacle but an emotionally resonant retelling of a beloved story. As the franchise moves forward with *Mufasa: The Lion King*, Glover's adult Simba will serve as the anchor, linking the classic tale to the new history of the Pride Lands for a new generation of viewers.