Beyoncé's daughter Blue Ivy Carter makes film debut in Disney's The Lion King prequel

Virgin Radio

29 Apr 2024, 16:01

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter is making her feature-film debut in Disney’s upcoming The Lion King prequel.

In Mufasa: The Lion King, Blue Ivy will join her mother who voices Nala in Disney’s ‘live-action’ Lion King movies. The young star will play the role of Kiara, Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala’s young cub.

Mufasa: The Lion King will tell the origin story of Simba’s father Mufasa, exploring his childhood (or should that be cub-hood?) alongside his brother - the series’ eventual villain, Scar. As the film’s synopsis explains, pride rock’s Rafiki will “relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara,” just as he narrates the film’s teaser trailer which was released today (29th April).

Also confirmed to be a part of the film’s storytelling arc are fan favourite characters Timon and Pumba, who are said to be returning with their “signature schtick” to help tell the story of Mufasa.

“Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka - the heir to a royal bloodline,” the film’s synopsis explains. “[This] chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny - their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe,” it adds.

Aaron Pierre joins the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King to voice the young Mufasa, meanwhile Kelvin Harrison Jr. will voice the role of lion prince Taka, who accepts the lost lion cub and future king into his pride. Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Tiffany Boone will also be lending their voices for this sequel-prequel film. 

Meanwhile, beloved Hamilton hit-maker Lin-Manuel Miranda will be behind the movie’s music, which he has produced in collaboration with Mark Mancina. 

Mufasa: The Lion King will be released in cinemas on 20th December 2024.