Beyoncé Knowles Carter and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter lend their voices to characters in Disney’s new film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” set to premiere this Friday. This marks yet another way Beyoncé is connecting her legacy — and that of her family — to the beloved film series.

In “Mufasa,” Beyoncé returns as the voice of Queen Nala, a role she first portrayed in the 2019 version of “The Lion King.” Her daughter Blue Ivy voices Princess Kiara, Nala and Simba’s first child, with Simba being voiced again by actor and musician Donald Glover.

Oscar winner Barry Jenkins directs “Mufasa,” with the screenplay written by Jeff Nathanson. The film provides a backstory for the lion king, voiced by Aaron Pierre, while Kelvin Harrison takes on the role of Scar.

Fans are thrilled about Blue Ivy’s feature film debut, but this isn’t her first engagement with the franchise. She accompanied her mother to the 2019 “Lion King” premiere and has previously contributed to her mother’s album inspired by the movie.

Beyoncé’s Release of ‘The Lion King: The Gift’

Beyoncé was cast as Nala in the 2019 remake of the animated classic and discussed its importance to her.

“’The Lion King’ is a movie I grew up watching, and I can’t wait for my kids to see it. It’s even more special to share this experience and culture of ‘The Lion King’ with my mother and family,” she expressed during an interview at the Wearable Art Gala the same year the film debuted.

“My mother always celebrated Blackness and made us proud of our heritage. We recognized the beauty and depth of Black women, understanding how diverse we are, and that we shouldn’t be confined to a single mold,” she added.

On July 19, 2019, she released “The Lion King: The Gift,” an album connected to the film that infused her musical style into its soundtrack. Beyoncé described it as a “love letter to Africa,” featuring artists like Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Kendrick Lamar.

“I wanted to ensure we highlighted the best talents from Africa rather than just picking a few sounds and putting my spin on it. Authenticity to the beauty of African music was essential,” she stated during a 2019 appearance on “Good Morning America.” “The soundtrack engenders a visual experience in your mind, functioning as a soundscape. Each song narrates the film’s story.”

That same year, Beyoncé also premiered “Beyoncé Presents: Making the Gift,” a TV special showcasing her journey through Africa and the album’s production. This project was filmed in locations including Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States.

Beyoncé’s Launch of ‘Black is King’

In 2020, she launched a visual project accompanying “The Gift,” named “Black is King.” This musical film was directed, produced, and co-written by Beyoncé herself.

“Black is King” tells the story of a young African prince who is banished from his kingdom after his father’s death. As he grows, he embarks on a quest for self-identity, guided by his ancestors, as he seeks to reclaim his rightful place. This narrative symbolizes the journey of the African diaspora towards rediscovering their identity and heritage.

The film emphasizes the richness and variety of African culture and the diaspora through various elements like music, dance, fashion, and visuals.

“This project has taken a year to bring to fruition. I collaborated with an array of talented directors, actors, and creatives from around the globe to reinterpret ‘The Lion King’ story. This tale is conveyed through music videos, fashion, dance, stunning natural backdrops, and fresh, innovative talent,” she explained in another GMA interview.

“The journey began in my own backyard, traversing from my home to Johannesburg, Ghana, London, Belgium, and the Grand Canyon, ultimately shaping this film. I hope this film can change the global viewpoint on the term ‘Black,’ which has always signified inspiration, love, strength, and beauty to me. ‘Black is King’ embodies regal and rich histories of Black identity.”

“Black is King” was acclaimed for both its cultural significance and artistic expression. It received six Grammy nominations, notably for best music film. The song “Brown Skin Girl,” featuring Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn, and Wizkid, won the award for best music video, while “Black Parade” took home the best R&B performance award. Additionally, the film was honored with an Emmy for outstanding costumes in a variety, nonfiction, or reality program.~