‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Director Says Blue Ivy Is The Right Person For The Film As He Defends Young Star From Nepo Baby Criticisms

Barry Jenkins, Blue Ivy Carter

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Director Says Blue Ivy Is The Right Person For The Film As He Defends Young Star From Nepo Baby Criticisms

Director Barry Jenkins is showing unwavering support to Blue Ivy Carter, star of his forthcoming Mufasa: The Lion King movie.

The filmmaker recently opened up about the 12-year-old’s big screen debut and explained that his decision to cast her in the film was not based on her famous parents Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter

Barry Jenkins spoke about the matter during a recent interview with ET’s Nischelle Turner, stating about Blue Ivy’s performance:

“She did a wonderful job bringing this character, Kiara,to life. I’m really proud of her, really proud of the work she did.”

Going on, Barry Jenkins touched on Blue Ivy’s relationship with her superstar mom Beyoncé, sharing that their mother-daughter bond is “embedded” into the film. In case you’re unfamiliar, Beyoncé starred in Disney’s original live-action remake of The Lion King alongside Donald Glover in 2019. Returning to the franchise, the 32x Grammy Award winner reprised her role as Nala, the animated parent to Blue Ivy’s character Kiara.

Jay Z, Beyoncé (The Lion King premiere 2019)

Despite her mom’s affiliation with the project, Jenkins insisted that familial ties were not the reason Blue Ivy got the part. He shared that he approached the young star with the opportunity after seeing her Grammy-winning voice work on an audio version of the children’s novel “Hair Love,” stating:

“As we were thinking of who could play this character, I thought, ‘Oh, this is it. She’s the right age, the right vibe…Let’s test it out.’ She was just tremendous.”

Grammys 2024

He added:

“There are some things she does in this film that are really emotional…She’s a thespian.”

Jenkins went on to address those criticizing Blue Ivy’s casting, calling out the apparent nepotism involved. Insisting that her parents weren’t the source of the opportunity, Jenkins stated:

“It had nothing to do with mom and dad…She was the right young woman for the job.”

Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Blue Ivy

Are you excited to see Blue Ivy in the upcoming Lion King film? Tell us in the comments below!