In a casting choice that has left historians scratching their heads and social media ablaze with hot takes, Disney announced that Liam Neeson will be taking on the role of the iconic African king, Shaka Zulu, in their upcoming biopic. The film, tentatively titled “Zulu: The Untold Story,” aims to give audiences a never-before-seen look into the life of the Zulu nation’s founder—through the lens of a 6’4″ Irishman.
The decision came as a surprise to many, considering Neeson’s well-known roles as a vengeful father in “Taken” and, more importantly, his decidedly non-Zulu heritage. “We believe Liam will bring a certain… taken-ness to the role,” said Disney’s head of casting, April Fuelle. “And with the magic of CGI and a dedicated dialect coach, the sky—or rather, the savannah—is the limit.”
Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to outright outrage. One Twitter user exclaimed, “What’s next, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as Napoleon?” while another pondered, “Will there be a CGI lion with Liam’s face too? Asking for a friend.”
Historians have been quick to condemn the move, with one prestigious professor claiming, “This casting sets historical accuracy back a good couple of millennia, at least. Shaka Zulu deserves to be portrayed with respect and authenticity, not with a ‘particular set of skills’ for hunting down kidnappers in Europe.”
Disney defended their choice, emphasizing Neeson’s ability to bring a “gravitas and raw physicality” to the role. They also hinted at a soundtrack featuring a collaboration between Elton John and T-Pain, which they claim “really captures the spirit of the Zulu Empire.”
In a statement to the press, Neeson assured fans he was up for the challenge, citing his previous experience in action roles and his proficiency in “wielding various weapons.” He added, “I’ve always wanted to explore more diverse characters. Plus, I’m looking forward to riding a zebra.”
The studio has released promotional material featuring Neeson’s silhouette adorned with traditional Zulu attire, complete with a feathered headdress and spear. The tagline reads: “A King’s Heart, A Warrior’s Courage, An Irishman’s Accent.”
In response to the uproar, Disney’s PR department has announced a companion documentary titled “The Real Shaka Zulu: No, Seriously, We Know Liam Neeson Isn’t African.” The documentary promises to provide educational content to balance the “creative liberties” taken in the feature film.
As production for “Zulu: The Untold Story” begins, the world waits with bated breath to see how Neeson will step into the sandals of one of history’s most formidable military leaders. One thing is for certain: the box office results will be anything but predictable.
Disney’s ‘Shaka Zulu’ Shocker: Liam Neeson Cast as Legendary Warrior
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