Pop star Beyoncé is set to star in the remake of the Disney classic ‘Lion King’, which is being anticipated for 2019. The original animation was released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1994. The new version was conceived as a way to compile a gifted cast to rejuvenate a classic story and bring it to life for a modern audience. This vision explains the other featured voices of famous comedians and actors of the likes of Seth Rogan, John Oliver and Donald Glover. The Lion King isn’t the only film that Beyoncé has been involved in. She has made appearances in ‘Dreamgirls’, Obsessed’ and voiced ‘Queen Tara’ in the 2013 computer-animated action-adventure film called ‘Epic’. The 36 year old seems to be an extremely attractive name for those in the TV industry. They recognise her huge appeal, which stretches across racial, gender and age constrictive boundaries. She is a talented musician, entrepreneurial businesswoman and cultural icon to many of her fans worldwide.
Beyoncé’s entry into the movie field seems seamless from an outside perspective. I wonder if somebody of the same gifts could be cast in the sort of films as she has been. There is no doubt that the directors of these films believe that she has the skill to perform these roles to a high standard. However, it also appears that she was picked out especially for her celebrity too- her ability to promote the films had to be a key factor in the decision making process. Her inclusion into the Lion King tells a bigger story. This crossover says a lot about a media landscape in which the once distinctive lines that used to separate ‘entertainment’ professionals are being constantly blurred. Nowadays, being a singer, or a dancer, or a comedian isn’t enough for a person to remain relevant for the entirety of their career. In an age where the consumer is sovereign and longevity is rare, celebrities have to maintain their importance by any means they know how. With nostalgic memories of the initial release, many Lion King enthusiasts will be hoping that the integrity of the film isn’t being diluted by the inclusion of big names.
Article by Yohannes Lowe.
He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.
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