Before Walt Disney Studios’ live-action movie showcase at the D23 Expo on Saturday morning, rumors were swirling online that Hugh Jackman had been signed on to play Scar in Jon Favreau‘s upcoming remake of “The Lion King.” This afternoon, a representative for Jackman told TheWrap that there was “absolutely no truth” to the buzz.
Earlier in the day, movie site Omega Underground first reported Jackman’s casting, citing an individual with knowledge of the film’s production. Jackman had also posted a picture of himself at Disneyland on Friday afternoon, leading some to believe that he would be present to make the casting official.
PARTNERS. @Disneyland pic.twitter.com/dEuFwxfoqd
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) July 15, 2017
Jackman did not appear at the D23 showcase, nor was any casting for the remake announced (though casting was announced for another remake, Guy Ritchie’s “Aladdin”).
Favreau surprised fans with a first glimpse at how the famous “Circle of Life” opening from the original “Lion King” would look in his new version. The brief clip featured photo-realistic CGI animals similar to those in Favreau’s remake of “The Jungle Book,” which earned an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The clip ended with the iconic image of Rafiki presenting the newborn Simba to the animals of the Pridelands, now in full computer generated imagery.
[powergridprofile powerrank=”506″ node=”245020″ type=”person” path=”http://powergrid.thewrap.com/person/hugh-jackman” title=”Hugh Jackman” image=”hugh_jackman”]
Casting that has been confirmed for “The Lion King” includes James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa, with Donald Glover as Simba, and, as TheWrap first reported, John Oliver as Zazu.