The best thing by far about Disney’s big Lion King remake was Beyoncé’s The Gift — an album of songs inspired by the music. Featuring contributions from the likes of Childish Gambino, Major Lazer, Tierra Whack and her daughter Blue Ivy, the album featured some songs that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on any of the Queen’s actual albums — a mixtape worthy of a better vehicle than the disappointingly unimaginative Lion King remake.
And now, it’s gonna get one. Black Is King is headed to Disney+ and it certainly looks like a visual feast in the lane as Bey’s instant classic Lemonade and Homecoming movie experiences. Based on the trailer, Black Is King will draw on some Lion King themes but will poetically remix the narrative to potentially dazzling effect — apparently bringing along friends like Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o and, of course, JAY-Z. We’ll see how it turns out, but this looks like the sort of big creative swing that Disney has been missing in these “live-action remakes.” Disney+ subscribers will be able to watch it on July 31.
