Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King won't hit theaters until July 19, but last night (July 9) the stars hit the red carpet for the big premiere in Los Angeles.
Beyoncé, who stars in the film as the grown-up Nala, obviously won the night, arriving in coordinating Alexander McQueen looks with her daughter Blue Ivy. The duo looked incredible in their tuxedo jackets and sparkly tulle skirts, with intricate braids and accompanying silver hair accessories.
Beyoncé also reunited with her fellow Destiny's Child members, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, who looked stunning at the premiere.
Early reviews on Beyoncé's performance are in—and they're good. "Yes, Beyoncé is good in #TheLionKing — really good! Nala’s role is indeed bigger, and Bey suits it perfectly," BuzzFeed's Adam B. Vary tweeted. "There’s a moment when she tells Simba he’s 'disappointed' her, and reader, the way Bey bit the “t” in that word chilled me and thrilled me."
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"So #TheLionKing was the first movie I ever saw in theaters and this reimagining hit all the same notes. LOVED IT. Idk if it was Beyonce, Donald, the animation, Jon Fav... no it was probably Beyonce," Trey Williams from The Wrap wrote.
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"Absolutely blown away by #TheLionKing. Incredible visuals and voice work. Cried all my makeup off. Timon and Pumba brought me back from the edge. Would die for baby Simba," Rachel Heine from Nerdist tweeted.
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Check out some more early reactions, below:
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The first new song from the soundtrack, "Spirit," is also available now.
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And here are just a few celebs who attended last night's premiere:
Donald Glover (who plays Simba)
Billy Eichner (who plays Timon)
Seth Rogen (who plays Pumbaa)
Chrissy Metz
Stephen and Ayesha Curry with their daughters, Riley and Ryan
Tiffany Haddish
Marsai Martin
Zooey Deschanel
Lena Waithe
Maia Mitchell
Yara Shahidi
Logan Browning
Chloe and Halle Bailey (Halle will play Ariel in the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake.)
The Lion King hits theaters nationwide on July 19.
