Black Is King (out July 31) is a new visual project from the singer, which lands a year on from Disney’s The Lion King in which Queen Bey voiced Nala. The new film is based on the music of The Lion King: The Gift, the official soundtrack of the Disney reboot.
“Black Is King,” written, directed and executive produced by Beyoncé, will premiere globally on Disney Plus on July 31, 2020. That’s just after the one-year anniversary of the theatrical release of Disney’s “The Lion King” remake, for which Queen Bey voiced Nala (and which launched on Disney Plus in January).
A one-minute teaser trailer for “Black Is King” dropped Saturday night on beyonce.com.
The film is based on the music of ” The Lion King : The Gift “released last year in conjunction with the Disney pic, and stars the album’s featured artists and some special guest appearances. The Beyoncé-produced album features Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, 070 Shake, Tierra Whack, Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter and Jessie Reyez, as well as African artists including Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel.
‘Black Is King’ is a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience,” Disney and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment said in announcing the visual album. “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.”
“Black Is King” pays tribute to voyages of Black families throughout time. The visual album tells the story of 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,” according to the announcement. “‘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.”
BLACK IS KING — A Film by Beyoncé. 👑
July 31st on @disneyplus. pic.twitter.com/FNEoJaQFUd
— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) June 28, 2020
CONGRATULATIONS
@connie_chiume @Nandi_Madida @NyanisoDzedze & @warrenmasemola
Including a throng of other South African and African actors & dancers featured in Beyonce's upcoming visual album movie for Disney. #BlackIsKing out on July 31 on @disneyplus pic.twitter.com/EceHla9Txn
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/LastrassiAnn/status/1277166075944349697
