The Lion King casts Alfre Woodard as Simba’s mother

The Lion King is getting a new family cast, as EW has confirmed that Alfre Woodard will voice Sarabi, the mate of leonine ruler Mufasa and mother of cub-prince Simba, in Disney’s live-action reimagining of its 1994 animated hit.

Woodard, a veteran actress whose accolades include four Emmys and an Oscar nomination, joins a cast that includes Donald Glover as Simba, James Earl Jones as Mufasa (reprising his role from the original), Billy Eichner as Timon, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, and John Oliver as Zazu. Madge Sinclair voiced Sarabi in the 1994 version.