Big news has come out of Pride Rock this afternoon as Disney has announced that Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (MOONLIGHT, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK) is set to direct a live-action sequel to Disney's THE LION KING. Jeff Nathanson, who penned Jon Favreau's 2019 blockbuster, has recently completed his first pass of the script. Naturally, the film will feature the same photo-realistic technology that Favreau used to create his version of the classic tale, so get ready to spot that one shot that wasn't created using CGI elements.
No details about the plot have been shared at this time, though according to Deadline, the story will further explore the mythology of the characters, including Mufasa’s origin story. The project has yet to receive a production start date, though you can bet that Disney will want to fast-track this puppy after Favreau's adaptation added $1.6 billion to Mickey Mouse's coffers.
“Helping my sister raise two young boys during the ’90s, I grew up with these characters,” Jenkins said. “Having the opportunity to work with Disney on expanding this magnificent tale of friendship, love, and legacy while furthering my work chronicling the lives and souls of folk within the African diaspora is a dream come true.”
Jenkins' sequel has yet to announce any of its cast members thus far. The 2019 version featured a whos-who of Hollywood and pop culture royalty, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover, Alfre Woodard, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, James Earl Jones, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Eric Andre, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Amy Sedaris, and Chance the Rapper. It's entirely possible that some of the aforementioned actors will return for the sequel to reprise their iconic roles, though we'll have to wait for more details to know for sure.