‘Black Is King’ Teaser: Beyonce’s ‘The Lion King’-Inspired Visual Album Hits Disney+ In July

Surprise!!! The Queen B is dropping a new visual album on Disney+ next month! Beyonce will be releasing Black is King, inspired by last year’s The Lion King-inspired album The Gift.

Black is King was written, directed, and exec-produced by Beyonce, who has been developing it for a year since the release of The Gift.  This will be interesting, because Beyonce is speaking directly to black families with a powerful message that will “reimagine the lessons of “The Lion King” for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.” This isn’t the kind of thing we would expect from the notoriously timid folks at Disney, but I guess when it’s Beyonce you kinda let her do her own thing, right? That’s the smart move.

SYNOPSIS: The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity. His ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne. These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power. “Black Is King” is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.

Black is King hits Disney+ on July 31st.

Travis Hopson
Travis Hopson has been reviewing movies before he even knew there was such a thing. Having grown up on a combination of bad '80s movies, pro wrestling, comic books, and hip-hop, Travis is uniquely positioned to geek out on just about everything under the sun. A vampire who walks during the day and refuses to sleep, Travis is the co-creator and lead writer for Punch Drunk Critics. He is also a contributor to Good Morning Washington, WBAL Morning News, and WETA Around Town. In the five minutes a day he's not working, Travis is also a voice actor, podcaster, and Twitch gamer. Travis is a voting member of the Critics Choice Association (CCA), Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA), and Late Night programmer for the Lakefront Film Festival.