There are surprises and changes in the new live-action The Lion King movie that will not be divulged here because that would spoil the experience. But there is one thing audiences should look forward to; Florence Kasumba as the voice of Shenzi (lead hyena) who is known for her roles in Black Panther and Wonder Woman. Now caution, this is not the original 1994 bumbling, silly, follower Shenzi (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) that was not favorably received by some movie goers.
“I am lucky that I got to play this role (on the big screen). I understand (original) Shenzi because I got to play her for more than a year every single day (on stage in Hamburg, Germany). I think this was the best preparation for this part. When I got my dialogues for this one (new Shenzi). I understood or at least I thought, ‘this is more serious, this is more dangerous’ and I liked it because it was interesting to play. She is somebody who gets things done. She is the strongest of the pack and it’s her responsibility to make sure her pack is fine. She doesn’t respect the royal family. Maybe she would like to be the leader or the queen herself; but we don’t know that.” says Kasumba.
The new Shenzi is fierce, calculating and an intellectual equal to Scar (voiced by 12 Years a Slave’s Chiwetel Ejiofor) who is Musafa the King’s conniving, jealous brother, plotting to take over the kingdom and reign on Pride Rock. Kasumba’s vocal portrayal is a standout in this movie as she captivates with every word, embodies strength, and captures the audience’s attention. Although Shenzi is not a lead character, Kasumba makes this reimagined part and character unforgettable and gives new meaning to the saying that “there are no small parts only small actors.”
Kasumba explains about the depth of her character, “In general, she’s very greedy. She’s somebody who wants to have power. In having power, I think you shouldn’t forget that with power responsibility comes. And you have a choice with what you want to do with power and I don’t believe that Shenzi is trying to make sure that everyone is fine. Shenzi’s trying to make sure that she’s fine and that her pack is fine. And we’ll (have to wait to) see what happens when or if certain people become leaders.”
Kasumba is an Ugandan born and raised in Germany actress with a very distinct and recognizable voice that commands the type of attention that Eartha Kitt’s voice commanded and still does. No, she does not sound like Ms. Kitt but her voice is just as distinguishable and mesmerizing and it would be remiss not to mention she’s regally statuesque with a distinct close shaved natural haircut and a winning attitude toward life and her career. When asked about roles, life, and next steps after The Lion King Kasumba remarked, “In general, I have no expectations. I have no dream role because I don’t go through my life planning my life. I have worked for more than 20 years and I’ve played completely different characters but here in America people may only know me from shows like Emerald City or movies like this (The Lion King) or Black Panther or Avengers but I’ve played so many other characters in Germany that of course people haven’t seen here. Therefore, there is no favorite type of character (I wish to play) but I do like (roles) telling stories.”
The Lion King will be in theaters on July 19th.
Clip – Circle Of Life
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