John Oliver Cast in Live-Action 'Lion King' Reboot

08/31/2017 04:30 pm EDT

John Oliver is heading to the Pride Lands in Disney's latest live-action reboot.

The host of Last Week Tonight is the latest cast member to join Jon Favreau's The Lion King movie, playing the trusty advisor Zazu. The red-billed bird counsels both Mufasa and Simba in the film.

MORE NEWS: Jon Favreau Teases Live Action 'Lion King' Movie

Zazu is a stickler for rules and procedure, with Simba's youthful ways serving as a constant source of frustration — as evidenced in the song "I Just Can't Wait To Be King."

After Mufasa's kingdom is stolen by Scar and nearly driven to ruin, Simba returns to challenge his uncle for the crown. Zazu aids him, though he is imprisoned by the villain for a good portion of the movie.

Oliver will be joining Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen in Favreau's film.

UP NEXT: Disney's Live-Action Take On 'The Lion King' Begins Production Soon

The host of HBO's weekly late-night talk show has previously provided voice work for shows such as the Simpsons, Rick & Morty, and Bob's Burgers, as well as films like The Smurfs and the forthcoming Amusement Park.

The Lion King is scheduled to release in theaters July 19, 2019.

The synopsis for the original film states:

"The Lion King follows the adventures of the young lion Simba, the heir of his father, Mufasa. Simba's wicked uncle, Scar, plots to usurp Mufasa's throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon and Pumbaa."

[h/t] theWrap, Photo Credit: HBO

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