“BLACK IS KING” - VISUAL ALBUM WRITTEN, DIRECTED AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY BEYONCÉ STREAMS ON DISNEY+ ON JULY 31

BEYONCÉ WRITES, DIRECTS AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCES VISUAL ALBUM

“BLACK IS KING”

   

New film is based on the music of “The Lion King: The Gift” 

   

Teaser for the visual album is now available

     

Disney+ to Premiere the Visual Album Globally on July 31, 2020

  

View Teaser Video:  https://www.beyonce.com/

BURBANK, Calif. (June 27, 2020) – Parkwood Entertainment, in association with Disney+, announced and debuted the teaser video for the visual album “Black Is King” written, directed and executive produced by 24-time Grammy® Award-winner Beyoncé. “Black is King” will premiere globally on Disney+ on July 31, 2020 and will arrive on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the release of Disney’s global phenomenon “The Lion King.”

  

This visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of "The Lion King" for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns. The film was in production for one year with a cast and crew that represent diversity and connectivity. 

  

The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity. His ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne. 

  

These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power.  “Black Is King” is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.
  
Based on the music of “The Lion King: The Gift,” and starring the album's featured artists and some special guest appearances, “Black Is King” is a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience. Videos for “My Power,” “Mood 4 Eva,” and “Brown Skin Girl” are extravagances of elegance and soul. The film is a story for the ages that informs and rebuilds the present. A reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs. A story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future.

"The Wild Cast" Featurette | The Lion King

Disney's The Lion King opens in theatres July 19, 2019. Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/LnKngTix Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLio... Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking Website: https://disney.com/lionking Hashtag: #TheLionKing

Non-Spoiler Movie Review: The Lion King (2019)

Hard to believe that it has been 25 years since the original, animated version of The Lion King first roared into theaters. Now, Jon Favreau brings us a new vision, a "live action" version if you will. The vision is so stunning that you will think this was a DisneyNature release. It seriously looks that photorealistic!

From the music, to iconic shots and most of the original dialogue will hit you with all the nostalgic feels! And we all know the story, but here is a quick recap just in case. Simba (voiced by JD McCrary and later Donald Glover) is worried about filling the paws of his father Mufasa (voiced magnificently once again by James Earl Jones). But Scar, Mufasa's evil brother (voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor), is determined to kill them both so he can take the place as king. As Mufasa's fate is sealed, Simba grows up with the help of Pumbaa (voiced by Seth Rogen) and Timon (voiced by Billy Eichner), who are scene stealers!

There is a stand out performance by Beyonce as older Nala. Donald Glover and Beyonce deliver a phenomenal version of Can You Feel The Love Tonight. I wish there was more from Alfre Woodard who voices Sarabi, John Oliver who voices Zazu and John Kani that voices Rafiki. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a wonderfully chilling Scar. The entire voice cast is exceptional and can easily rival the original.

Han Zimmer delivers a new take on his Oscar-winning score from the original film. There are two new songs. Beyonce has a new powerfully uplifting song halfway through the movie called Spirit. Sir Elton John has a new son over the end credits. But most of the original songs are here and are done more than enough justice. The opening Circle of Life packs just as much of an emotional impact as ever. 

One of the things I loved about this vision of the story is that there was clearly a conscience effort to portray the animals as realistically as possible. Other than the fact that these animals talk, the mannerisms will make you stop and try to convince your brain that none of this is real. On the other hand, this attention to realism also means a minimum when it comes to facial expressions.

In the end, this vision of The Lion King is an astonishing visual feast for the eyes. The film is filled with heart and a rush of nostalgia. Don't walk but stampede your way to the theaters starting July 19th!

Photos from “The Lion King” World Premiere

Filmmakers, talent and special guests celebrated Disney’s “The Lion King” tonight in Hollywood. The movie, which opens on July 19, 2019, welcomes beloved characters back to the big screen in a whole new way. 

Attending the event were the stars from “The Lion King,” including Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Chance the Rapper. Also in attendance were members of the team behind the film, including Jon Favreau, p.g.a. (director/producer), Jeff Nathanson (screenwriter), Jeffrey Silver, p.g.a. (producer), Karen Gilchrist, p.g.a. (producer), Tom Peitzman (executive producer), Caleb Deschanel (director of photography), James Chinlund (production designer), Adam Gerstel (editor), John Bartnicki (co-producer), Hans Zimmer (composer), Lebo M (creator/producer African vocal/choir arrangements), Robert Legato, ASC, (VFX supervisor). The event also welcomed a host of special guests and celebrities. 

Clarence Avant, Mario Lopez, Yvette Nicole Brown, Nicole Byer, Steph & Ayesha Curry, Gina Carano, LeVar Burton, Reggie Miller, Emily Deschanel, Zooey Deschanel, Diplo, Dave Filoni, LeAnn Rimes, Tiffany Haddish, Atandwa Kani, Chrissy Metz, Doua Mona, Tracy Morgan, Cedric Yarbrough,  Gary Oldman, Pedro Pascal, Meghan Trainor, Lena Waithe & Alana Mayo, Taika Waititi, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Ali Wong, Niles Fitch. From ABC:  Marsai Martin. From Disney Channel:  Raven-Symone, Navia Robinson, Sky Katz, Ruth Righi, Skai Jackson. From Freeform: Chloe & Halle Bailey, Maia Mitchell, Yara Shahidi, Aubrey Joseph.

DISNEY’S “THE LION KING”— Cast Photo

Check out the voice talent from Disney’s “The Lion King” together for the first time in a new cast photo. Pictured are Billy Eichner (Timon), Shahadi Wright Joseph (Young Nala), JD McCrary (Young Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Florence Kasumba (Shenzi), Donald Glover (Simba), Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), John Oliver (Zazu), Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari) and Eric André (Azizi).

DISNEY’S “THE LION KING” – Check out stunning new images of film’s cast with their characters

Check out the new images for Disney’s “The Lion King” featuring voice talent with their characters. Images include Donald Glover with Simba; Beyoncé Knowles-Carter with Nala; John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner with Zazu, Pumbaa and Timon; Chiwetel Ejiofor with Scar; Alfre Woodard with Sarabi; Eric André, Florence Kasumba and Keegan-Michael Key with hyenas Azizi, Shenzi and Kamari; and Shahadi Wright Joseph and JD McCrary with Young Nala and Young Simba.

There is also a new featurette about the movie with never-before-seen footage from the film, a glimpse behind the scenes during recording sessions, plus comments from director Jon Favreau and members of the voice cast. Directed by Jon Favreau, “The Lion King” opens on July 19. Tickets are available for advance purchase.

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Donald Glover and Beyoncé sing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” in new TV Spot for Disney's The Lion King

Disney’s “The Lion King” revealed an extended TV spot this morning featuring the voices of Donald Glover (Simba) and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala), who perform the iconic song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” 

ON SALE TOMORROW: Tickets for the feature film are available for advance purchase starting tomorrow.

Disney's The Lion King Character Poster for Nala

Take a look at the character poster of Nala voiced by Beyonce Knowles-Carter.

The Lion King Official Trailer

Disney's The Lion King opens in theaters July 19, 2019. Watch the new trailer now. Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLio... Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking Website: https://disney.com/lionking Hashtag: #TheLionKing

"THE LION KING" - NEW POSTER AND SPECIAL LOOK

Disney's The Lion King opens in theatres July 19, 2019. Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.

Facebook:        https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing/

Twitter:            https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing

Instagram:        https://www.instagram.com/lionking

Website:           https://disney.com/lionking

Hashtag:          #TheLionKing

JON FAVREAU’S ALL-NEW BIG-SCREEN ADVENTURE “THE LION KING” ROARS TO LIFE WITH ALL-STAR CAST

BURBANK, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2017) – The all-star lineup for director Jon Favreau’s new take on Disney’s 1994 classic animated film “The Lion King” includes stars from the film, TV, theater and music arenas. Featuring pioneering filmmaking techniques, the film welcomes back to the big screen iconic characters that audiences have long treasured—but in a whole new way. From Disney Live Action, “The Lion King” is slated for U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019.

“It is a director's dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life,” said Favreau.

Lions rule the African savanna in “The Lion King,” which welcomes Donald Glover (“Atlanta,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) as future king Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (“Dreamgirls,” “Lemonade” visual album) as Simba’s friend-turned-love interest Nala, and James Earl Jones (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Field of Dreams”) as Simba’s wise and loving father, Mufasa, reprising his iconic performance from Disney’s 1994 animated classic. Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Twelve Years a Slave,” Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange”) was called on to portray Simba’s villainous uncle Scar, and Alfre Woodard (“Juanita,” Marvel’s “Luke Cage”) portrays Simba’s no-nonsense mother, Sarabi. JD McCrary (OWN’s “Tyler Perry’s The Paynes,” Apple’s “Vital Signs”) fills the shoes of Young Simba, a confident cub who can’t wait to be king, and Shahadi Wright Joseph (NBC’s “Hairspray Live,” Broadway’s “The Lion King”) brings tough cub Young Nala to life.

Every kingdom comes with a trustworthy advisor or two. John Kani (“Coriolanus,” Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War”) was cast as the wise baboon Rafiki, and John Oliver (HBO’s “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) was tapped as hornbill Zazu, Mufasa’s loyal confidant. When Simba goes into exile, he relies on two newfound friends—Seth Rogen (“Sausage Party,” “Neighbors”) lends his comedic chops to naïve warthog Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner (“Billy on the Street,” FX’s “American Horror Story”) joins the cast as know-it-all meerkat Timon.

While most of the animals in the kingdom respect the king, the hyenas have other plans. Florence Kasumba (NBC’s “Emerald City,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther”) portrays Shenzi, Eric André (Adult Swim’s “The Eric André Show,” FXX’s “Man Seeking Woman”) is Azizi, and Keegan-Michael Key (“Predator,” Netflix’s “Friends from College”) plays Kamari.

“The Lion King” is directed by Favreau (“The Jungle Book,” Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man”) and produced by Favreau, Jeffrey Silver (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Edge ofTomorrow”) and Karen Gilchrist (“The Jungle Book,” “Chef”). Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”) penned the screenplay based on the 1994 screenplay by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton. Tom Peitzman (co-producer “Kong: Skull Island,” “Alice in Wonderland”) and Thomas Schumacher (“The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast”) are executive producers, and John Bartnicki (“The Jungle Book,” “Chef”) is co-producer. The award-winning team of artists tapped to bring the African savanna and its animal inhabitants to life include visual effects supervisor Rob Legato, who conceived the virtual production on “Avatar,” won Academy Awards® for his work on “The Jungle Book,” “Hugo” and “Titanic,” and was nominated for an Oscar® for his work on “Apollo 13.”

The film’s animation supervisor is Oscar®-winner Andrew R. Jones (“The Jungle Book,” “Avatar,” “World War Z”). VFX supervisor is Adam Valdez ("The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”), who won an Oscar for his work on “The Jungle Book.” Five-time Oscar nominee Caleb Deschanel, ASC, (“Jack Reacher,” “The Patriot”), is director of photography, and James Chinlund (“War for the Planet of the Apes,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”) serves as the production designer. Oscar winner Ben Grossman (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Hugo,” “Star Trek into Darkness”) is virtual production supervisor, and Mark Livolsi, ACE, (“The Jungle Book,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” “The Blind Side”) and Adam Gerstel (“Transformers: The Last Knight,” “The Jungle Book”) are editors. Hans Zimmer (“Dunkirk,” “Hidden Figures”), who won an Oscar for his score for the animated classic, will score the adventure.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Billy Eichner as Timon and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.