Beyoncé played Nala in Disney’s 2019 live-action film The Lion King.
The film was directed by Jon Favreau and used photorealistic computer-generated imagery to retell Disney’s 1994 animated classic. Beyoncé voiced the adult Nala, the lioness who becomes Simba’s ally and later queen. Nala was voiced as a cub by Shahadi Wright Joseph.
Beyoncé also contributed new music to the project. She performed “Spirit,” an original song associated with the film, and contributed to The Lion King: The Gift, a companion album inspired by the story. The album included collaborations with artists from several African countries and the wider international music scene.
Nala is more than a romantic character: she challenges Simba to return to Pride Rock and reclaim his responsibility. Beyoncé’s casting therefore connected her performance to one of the film’s most important leaders and catalysts.