Walt Disney Studios will revisit Pride Rock once again, this time with a sequel to 2019’s blockbuster, The Lion King. Deadline reports that Disney has greenlit a sequel to the film that grossed $1.6 billion worldwide, with Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins attached to direct.
Shortly after the news broke, Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk director Jenkins took to Twitter to confirm he will helm the sequel:
This.
Yes, THIS👇🏿
‘The Lion King’ Sequel Set With ‘Moonlight’ Director Barry Jenkins To Helm For Walt Disney Studios https://t.co/Ev7Obi8Km8 via @Deadline
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) September 29, 2020
“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 will take over directorial duties from Jon Favreau, who took the first film to commercial success despite mixed reviews from critics. The sequel will be a continuation of the Favreau film, though there’s no word yet as to which members of the cast will be returning.
Deadline notes that The Lion King 2 is being viewed as a priority for the Disney, and while it’s still unclear when production will start, reports say that Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the screenplay for the 2019 movie, will return to script.
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