So far, the upcoming live-action The Lion King remake is shaping up to be a must-see.
Beyoncé is reportedly in talks to play Nala, Donald Glover has landed the role of Simba, and James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa.
Now, 12 Years A Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is reportedly in negotiations to play the iconic villain, Scar, originally played by Jeremy Irons —and the Oscar-nominated actor is perfect for the role.
First, listen to this man’s voice as he hilariously reads airplane safety instructions. We’d let him safely guide us all the way off that plane.
That voice is meant for Scar: persuasive, smooth, and entrancing. Just right for a sneaky villain (we love you, Chiwetel, we know you’re not shady).
Chiwetel has also played somewhat of a villain before, in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, starring as Baron Mordo. And, was the sadistic Victor Sweet in the Mark Wahlberg and Tyrese-led Four Brothers.
And, while CGI requires an actor to bring a certain level of physicality to their work, we know Chiwetel could do it. Seriously, the man has incredible presence and the physicality he brings to his characters — watch Kinky Boots! — is wonderful.
Seriously, just give Chiwetel the role already, there’s no one better suited for it.