It makes total sense that Beyoncé was cast as Nala in the 2019 remake of The Lion King. After all, dear reader, is there a more majestic animal than a lion – and therefore a more fitting part for Queen Bey to play?

The Disney live action spectacular was always going to be on our must-watch list, and the fact that it stars one of the world’s most influential women in the world has only added to our excitement.

And this excitement is now at fever pitch, thanks to a new trailer which focuses on Beyoncé’s take on Nala.

The Lion King is set to be released in UK cinemas on 19 July, but with just over a month to wait, the first look at Beyoncé’s character was revealed on Twitter last night (3 June), giving us an insight into how she will play the animated lioness.

The new trailer heavily features Beyoncé’s voice, and we can confirm that she not only sounds very much like herself (which made us smile) but has brought all the depth and gravitas to her lines that we always expected.

Many of the most-loved moments from the original film have been honoured in the remake, including the moment Simba and Nala’s eyes meet as they drink from a river and when Rafiki draws an image of lion on Pride Rock following Simba’s birth, both of which can be seen in the trailer.

But the main narrative shown in the clip is Simba’s journey from outcast to taking back control of the pride as Nala encourages him to “take your place as king.”

Beyoncé is also said to be heavily involved in the soundtrack of the film, having co-written a new song for the end credits and re-worked Can You Feel the Love Tonight? with Elton John.

Speaking on Crooked Media’s Keep It podcast, Billie Eichner who plays Timone, revealed he’s heard Beyoncé’s rendition and just how good it is.

“I’ve heard her sing Can You Feel the Love Tonight? with Donald Glover and I’m telling you, it’s fucking good,” Eichner said.

“I don’t want to give too much away about that, they do not want us talking about it. I will just say that honestly, it made me cry and I was not expecting that.”

As if the bringing together of one of our favourite artists and favourite Disney films wasn’t enough, it sounds like our Spotify playlists are going to be heavily influenced by the new release too. 

Images: Twitter /Disney