Beyoncé’s 2019 film Black Is King uses The Lion King as its story source.
Black Is King is a musical film written, directed, and executive-produced by Beyoncé. Disney+ released it on July 31, 2020. The project reimagines themes and music associated with Disney’s 2019 remake of The Lion King.
The film serves as a visual companion to The Lion King: The Gift, a soundtrack album curated and produced by Beyoncé for the 2019 remake. Its narrative follows a young African prince who journeys toward identity, responsibility, and kingship.
Black Is King uses elaborate costumes, choreography, locations, and imagery to emphasize African and diasporic cultures. It is not a scene-by-scene remake of The Lion King; instead, it offers a highly stylized interpretation connected to the film’s characters and music.