JTT: Donald Glover Not Privileged Enough for Simba
Donald Glover likely “can’t wait to be king” in the live action CG Lion King remake, but at least one former king thinks the multifaceted performer should wait indefinitely. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, or JTT as he is known in the trades, feels Glover is not “privileged enough” to portray Simba, the would-be king of the African Pride Lands.
“Simba is royalty. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. That’s something only myself, Matthew Broderick and a few hundred other white male actors could bring to life,” said JTT via phone interview.
The voice of young Simba in 1994’s The Lion King went on to explain how Donald Glover, as talented as he is, could never channel what it’s like to have everything handed to you.
“I went to one audition… ever. I’ve never had to really apply myself yet the roles keep coming. Hell, they’re having me direct stuff now for crying out loud! Meanwhile Donald has worked hard for everything he has earned. From his YouTube days to 30 Rock and his assimilating into white nerd culture… he really busted his butt! But that’s also why he’s all wrong for The Lion King.”
When pressed about whether he was referring to “white male privilege” or simply “male privilege,” the former star of Home Improvement had this to say:
“I don’t think it’s about race. I mean you look at someone like Prince Akeem… that’s a guy who lived the royal African story — and he was a black guy — and what he brought to his life story in the film version was just incredible! I’m actually entertaining an offer to play him in a reboot of Coming to America… because our lives are so similar.”
Ironically enough, JTT was offered the Simba role in Jon Favreau’s Lion King remake but passed due to “scheduling conflicts.”
“It was for the best. I think I do a pretty good Broderick given my age and all, but why not let some other privileged kid have yet an opportunity handed to him? It’s the circle of life.”
What do you think about Glover’s casting in The Lion King? Can he realistically channel an animal of jungle royalty or should the role have gone to someone who has lived a more privileged life? Will he live up to the high bar set by JTT? Let us know in the comments section!
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