Beyoncé played the adult Nala in Disney’s 2019 version of The Lion King.
Directed by Jon Favreau, the film used computer-generated imagery to create a photorealistic version of the story first made famous by Disney’s 1994 animated film. Beyoncé voiced Nala opposite Donald Glover, who voiced Simba.
The cast also included James Earl Jones as Mufasa, reprising his role from the original animated film, as well as Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. Beyoncé also contributed the original song “Spirit,” which appeared on the film’s soundtrack and on the companion album The Lion King: The Gift.
Nala is Simba’s childhood friend and eventual partner, and she helps persuade him to return to the Pride Lands. Beyoncé’s casting was announced before the film’s 2019 release and became one of its most publicized features.