Listen to Beyoncé's new and original The Lion King song 'Spirit'
With the announcement of Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King last year, fans speculated how much of the original soundtrack would be preserved. Upon the reveal of Beyoncé's casting as future lion queen Nala, suddenly that concern was dwarfed in favor of the question: will we get new music from Queen Bey?
If hearing is believing, on Wednesday we were graced with the answer: yes.
Alongside old favorites like "Hakuna Matata" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," Beyoncé's "Spirit" will be sung sometime during the course of the film, according to a press release. The song is featured on The Lion King: The Gift, a Beyoncé-curated and produced album that will accompany the film's release on July 18 and be released in addition to the main soundtrack.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Elton John, who wrote songs such as "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" for the 1994 original, will also be adding a new tune, entitled "Never Too Late."
Beyoncé stars alongside Donald Glover, also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, as Simba. Other notable names include James Earl Jones, reprising his role as Mufasa; Seth Rogen as the warthog, Pumbaa; Billy Eichner as Timon the meerkat; John Oliver voicing Zazu the red-billed hornbill; and 12 Years a Slave's Chiwetel Eijiofor as Scar. Listen to Beyoncé's new track below. Cyrena Touros
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Who are the markets backing in the US election?
Talking Point Speculators are piling in on the Trump trade. A Harris victory would come as a surprise
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 3, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published