Beyoncé’s 2020 musical film and visual album inspired by The Lion King is Black Is King.
Black Is King was written, directed, and executive-produced by Beyoncé. Disney+ released it on July 31, 2020, about a year after the live-action film The Lion King. The project reimagines themes from the film through music, fashion, dance, and imagery centered on African and African-diaspora identity.
Its soundtrack draws primarily from The Lion King: The Gift, Beyoncé’s companion album for the 2019 film. Performers and collaborators include Blue Ivy Carter, Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer, and several African artists.
Black Is King is often confused with Homecoming, which documents Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance, or with The Gift, the studio album itself. The film’s title comes from its emphasis on Black heritage, community, family, and self-definition.