Director Barry Jenkins, the Oscar-winning filmmaker known for his exceptional work on “Moonlight” in 2017, has reportedly been enlisted by Walt Disney Studios to take the helm of a sequel to last year’s “The Lion King.” This movie is a follow-up to the 2019 remake of the beloved 1994 animated classic.
According to Deadline’s report, the upcoming film will maintain the same artistic approach as its predecessor, with screenwriter Jeff Nathanson returning to craft the screenplay and preserving the stunning photo-realistic visuals. The incredibly detailed CGI from the previous installment was so convincing that it left an impression, It could effortlessly deceive you into believing you are observing genuine natural history, if that’s the desired effect.
While an official release date has not yet been announced for the upcoming film, Disney is expected to leverage the success of the 2019 release, which generated a worldwide revenue of £1.25 billion. While limited information is available and the movie is described as a sequel, it will also delve into Mufasa’s history, exploring his past.
Jenkins shared with Deadline, “Being involved in the upbringing of my sister’s two young boys in the 1990s introduced me to these characters. It’s a dream come true to collaborate with Disney in extending this wonderful story of friendship, love, and heritage, all while continuing my journey of documenting the experiences and spirits of individuals within the African diaspora.”
The casting remains unconfirmed at this time. In the previous successful production from last year, a stellar lineup of top-notch actors and musicians was featured, including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor, James Earl Jones, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, and Seth Rogen, among other talented individuals.
This development signifies a growing partnership between Jenkins and Disney. In addition to “The Lion King,” the director is currently involved in a project centered on the life of American dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey. This upcoming biographical work will be distributed by Searchlight Pictures, a subsidiary of the larger Walt Disney conglomerate.