Over the past few years, Disney has found a new massively successful method of releasing movies. Namely, the studio is reaching into the Disney vaults to produce live-action remakes of their most iconic animated blockbusters. The trend started with Maleficent (which is finally getting a sequel), and continued on with successful blockbusters like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Jungle Book. Jon Favreau directed the latter movie, and is back behind the camera for his version of The Lion King.
The Lion King is set to finally arrive this week, debuting the ultra realistic world of Pride Rock brought to life through cutting edge visual affects. Jon Favreau assembled an amazing cast of actors to bring the movie to life, with the most notable being Beyonce as leading lady Nala. Moviegoers and the Beyhive alike have been eager to hear Queen B belt out the iconic songs, and she's just released a brand new track that will debut in the upcoming blockbuster. Take a listen to "Spirit" below.
Does anyone else have chills? Because in addition to singing classic Lion King favorites like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?", Beyonce will also be bringing new music into the upcoming remake. In fact, she's releasing an entire album.
"Pride" arrived just as The Lion King had its premiere in Los Angeles. It's one of the many brilliant marketing moves Beyonce has done throughout the course of the last few years. Both Lemonade and her duet album with Jay-Z dropped without warning, so it makes sense that she would do the same type of move by revealing "Pride" to the public one week before her performance as Nala is can be seen in theaters.
As a song, "Pride" open with some vocalists singing in Swahili. It is the same language used in the opening lines of "The Circle of Life", as well as various other songs in the Lion King Broadway musical. Eventually it switches to English, as Beyonce takes over lead vocals. It's a song clearly about Simba, where Nala is encouraging her childhood friend to return to Pride Rock, and dethrone his treacherous Uncle Scar. That's exactly why Nala leaves the community, and searches for her future King in the jungle.
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The new Beyonce song will appear throughout the runtime of The Lion King, seemingly taking place of the Broadway ballad "Shadowland." But "Pride" and her duet with Donald Glover's Simba aren't the only songs related to the movie that Beyonce is putting out. In fact, she'll be putting out a new album of music inspired by the iconic Disney movie. Titled The Lion King: The Gift, "Pride" is the first track revealed in Queen B's forthcoming album-- yet another surprise by the undisputed queen of Hip Hop.
Beyonce won't be the only singer on The Gift, as she also worked with other artists as well. Beyonce made a statement about the forthcoming Lion King album (via Yahoo), saying:
I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline. Each song was written to reflect the film's storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.
Overall, it's clear that Disney and Beyonce fans are going to have plenty of Lion King-related music to enjoy in the coming weeks. Because in addition to the official soundtrack for the upcoming animated blockbuster, we'll also be treated to Beyonce's music that was inspired by the culture and story of The Lion King. Luckily, we shouldn't have to wait long for them to arrive.
The Lion King will roar into theaters on July 19th. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
