As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that the casting of Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara in the Disney prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King” is nothing short of a stroke of genius. Having seen Beyoncé’s daughter grow up in the spotlight and witness her blossom into a talented young artist, I can confidently say that she has more than earned her place on the big screen.
The full cast of the 2019 Lion King remake already felt rich having chart-topping singer Beyoncé Knowles cast as the voice of Nala. In the Disney prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, another addition to the Carter family joined the cast, with the Grammy winner’s daughter Blue Ivy cast as Simba and Nala’s daughter Kiara. As the nepo baby debate continues to surge when news surfaces of kids working with their famous parents, director Barry Jenkins confirms that “her parents were not involved.”
12-year-old Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyoncé, is set to make her movie debut in Disney’s “Mufasa”, lending her voice to the character Kiara. Contrary to popular belief, she secured this role not due to her famous mother’s influence; instead, director Barry Jenkins clarified at the L.A. premiere of “Mufasa” that her casting was based on merit. Beyoncé is reprising her role as Nala in the film.
She didn’t get help from her parents in securing this film role. Instead, she had read the book and audiobook “Hair Love” with her friend Matthew Cherry. I found her voice particularly appealing because the movie only uses voices to start with. I felt that she was going to bring an endearing innocence to the character, along with the wisdom of a highly developed child.
It’s undeniable that Blue Ivy, who was born adorable, quickly gained worldwide recognition as “the most renowned newborn.” Yet, I feel confident that Barry Jenkins wouldn’t have chosen her for his project if he didn’t believe she could deliver a solid performance. As the director of Moonlight put it, he was impressed by Carter’s narration in the audiobook Hair Love, which earned her the Best Voiceover award at the Voice Arts Awards. Jenkins also emphasized that having Carter in the Disney prequel would enable a younger audience to identify with Kiara.
The up-and-coming performer isn’t alone in finding themselves embroiled in the controversy over nepotism. Actors such as Allison Williams, from the movie M3GAN, who is the daughter of renowned news anchor Brian Williams, have openly discussed the unfair comparisons they face due to their family ties. It’s unfortunate that stars born into famous families often find themselves needing to vouch for the dedication and skill they invest in every performance.
Kaia Gerber, Cindy Crawford’s daughter, added her perspective to the discussion. She believes that growing up with a famous mother provided her with valuable insights and advice about modeling, as she had access to industry knowledge at home. However, when it comes to acting, she emphasizes that it’s all about raw talent, kindness, and being easy to work with. Just like Lily Collins, the child of a doctor wouldn’t be questioned for choosing a similar career path, because they still need medical school training to become one. Similar to Jay-Z, Kaia’s father, who is Blue Ivy’s dad, has said he won’t force his children into show business but will support their chosen paths instead.
Apart from possessing similar talent to her mother, Blue Ivy Carter also seems to share the same dedication in her work. Director Barry Jenkins has been showering praise on his “Mufasa” actress for the experience of collaborating with her.
It was great working with her. She came extremely prepared.
It’s evident that Blue Ivy Carter has inherited exceptional talents from her illustrious parents. In 2023, Beyoncé’s daughter made a remarkable debut by performing “Brown Skin Girl” alongside her mother on stage for the first time. Moreover, Carter showcased her dancing skills as part of her mom’s Renaissance World Tour. During Beyoncé’s performance at the 2022 Oscars, Blue Ivy’s dance moves were so captivating that many viewers on social media mistook them for twins! This demonstrates that Blue Ivy possesses natural talents akin to her gifted parents.
In Barry Jenkins’ statement that Blue Ivy Carter’s parents, being Beyoncé and Jay-Z, “did not play a role” in her casting for Mufasa, it becomes clear that Jenkins chose talent over family ties when selecting actors. Given the remarkable vocal abilities of the young star, it is obvious that Carter deserves the part of Kiara. This explains why critics are so enthusiastic about The Lion King origin story, with the 2024 film release of Mufasa currently playing in theaters.
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2024-12-21 04:37