J.D. McCrary, who will voice young Simba in the upcoming live-action The Lion King film has joined Black-ish star Marsai Martin in her film debut, Little.
The Universal film “centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self (Martin) when the pressures of adulthood become too much.”
Issa Rae and Regina Hall also star.
Martin came up with the script idea and will executive produce. Fresh off the Boat writer Camilla Blackett wrote the most recent version of the script, which had earlier drafts written by Drumline writer Tina Gordon and Girls Trip writer Tracy Oliver. Oliver wrote the first draft, and all versions are based on Martin’s idea. Gordon is the director.
Will Packer and James Lopez, producers of Girls Trip, are producing through Will Packer Productions along with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris. Josh Martin executive produces alongside Hall, who also executive produces.
McCrary also stars in OWN’s The Paynes. He sings alongside Childish Gambino/Donald Glover (who will voice adult Simba) in Gambino’s song “Terrified” and performed the song with him at the 2018 Grammys.
THR first reported the casting.