Disney's The Lion King Remake: Casting All 10 Major Roles
1. Mufasa (Liam Neeson)
It's quite hard to imagine anybody taking over Mufasa from the legendary James Earl Jones, but this scenario - watching a new incarnation of a beloved role - is something we see all the time. Bill Murray received much praise for taking over Baloo from Phil Harris, James Bond and Doctor Who get recast every couple of years and we've had three Spider-Men in ten years, and every time, we hear "they won't be able to top person X in the role" - yet it always turns out great.
And having Liam Neeson assume Mufasa's sizable shoes would almost certainly have the same effect. The lion-king carried a huge amount of weight, gravitas and commanding presence, inspiring awe in everybody from the villainous hyena to his own son Simba, and Neeson - whether it's in Batman Begins, Schindler's List, The Grey or even The Phantom Menace - owns the screen and draws your attention every time he's on it, demanding respect even when he's dead silent.
Chances Of It Happening
Yes, he's already played a CGI lion in The Chronicles Of Narnia and its belated sequels, so this could be perceived as a bit of stunt-casting, but Neeson has one of the most prolific voices in Hollywood - with good reason. It's buttery-smooth and kind when it needs to be, but fierce when necessary, and Mufasa needs to possess both traits in equal measure.
What's your dream cast for the Lion King remake? Leave your list in the comments below!