The follow-up to 2019’s LION KING has been announced by Disney. Jeff Nathanson who wrote the last instalment, will write this new one which will contain elements of both prequel and sequel. Set to direct is Barry Jenkins, known for IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (2018) and the award-winning MOONLIGHT (2016). The fact that there would be a LION KING sequel was never in doubt as the movie broke all records with its $1.6 billion in box office receipts.
Barry Jenkins has gained international recognition for his work. His move from independent filmmaking into block-buster tent-pole territory is big step. Jenkins said to Variety: “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.”
LION KING (2019) and THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016) were both smash hits. As much as they were loved by audiences, there was mixed critical reception to the photo-realistic technology used to recreate the cartoon characters. The new techniques pushed the boundaries of digital visuals, but not everyone could get behind the concept of a life-like jungle creature that spoke and sang with a human voice, such as Bill Murray’s or Scarlett Johansson’s. (Sidebar: imagine those two as Disney creatures in a LOST IN TRANSLATION remake. No? Maybe not.) Director Jon Favreau brought these projects to fruition and showed the Mouse House how financially successful that technology and animal-cartoon remakes could be.
The story remains secret but is said to include Mufasa’s origin story. No word either on the voice cast, but it is a fair bet that some of the original cast will be involved; actors such as 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.
A projected release date is yet to be announced.
