Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, is set to make her film debut in Disney’s highly anticipated prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King.” The 12-year-old will voice the character of Kiara, the lion cub daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala, portrayed by Donald Glover and Beyoncé in the 2019 movie.
The exciting news was unveiled in the first trailer for the film, released on Monday (29 April), with the end credits proudly announcing “Introducing Blue Ivy Carter with Beyoncé Knowles.”
In addition to Blue Ivy’s debut, Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. will portray the younger versions of Mufasa and Scar, respectively. The film, directed by Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”) and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, will delve into the origin story of King Mufasa, Simba’s father, whose fate was sealed by his treacherous brother Scar.
Jenkins, taking over from Jon Favreau who directed the 2019 remake, shared insights into Blue Ivy’s casting in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. He recounted the process of reaching out to Beyoncé and Blue Ivy, expressing enthusiasm at the idea of the mother-daughter duo acting together. “Once we put the question to them, they both responded with enthusiasm,” Jenkins said.
Reflecting on the significance of Blue Ivy’s involvement, Jenkins noted the unique opportunity for her to share the screen with her mother during a transformative period of her life. Blue Ivy’s participation adds a special layer of authenticity to the film, capturing a snapshot of her youthful energy and talent.
Blue Ivy’s journey into the entertainment world has been notable, having previously joined Beyoncé on stage during her record-breaking Renaissance tour. The young talent showcased her skills as a featured dancer, adding to the legacy of her renowned parents, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” promises to be a cinematic spectacle, blending captivating storytelling with an ensemble cast that includes both seasoned performers and exciting newcomers. The film is set to premiere in cinemas on December 20th, marking a milestone moment in Blue Ivy Carter’s burgeoning career in the spotlight.