2019’s live-action (?) remake was a resounding success, bringing in something like 14 bajillion dollars for Disney (that’s a rough estimate) and proving that audiences are A-OK with a photo-realistic retelling of a story they already know and love. There was some speculation about Disney making a sequel to the remake. Why not? Disney owns the property outright and people have become huge fans of these live-action remakes. It sort of felt like just a matter of time.
Well, now we know that Disney is making a sequel to Jon Favreau’s The Lion King but it won’t be directed by Favreau. It’ll be directed by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) with a script from Jeff Nathanson.
According to Deadline, the sequel will further explore the mythology of the series and examine the backstory of Mufusa. Ah, finally, a Mufusa origin story! Just what everyone wanted and needed! Let us watch the transformation from kitten to king.
I give the sequel a hard time but it really is a no brainer for Disney. The Lion King remake was always supposed to be a hit but its earnings surpassed even Disney’s lofty goals. Yes, they have plenty of other hits in the works but it would almost be business malpractice to not attempt a sequel. And not just with The Lion King too, Disney should probably looking into make a follow-up to Aladdin too.
Landing Jenkins is a smart move by Disney because the man is a damn fine director and, though his experience with heavy special effects is limited, he can get to the heart and soul of Mufusa or whatever the sequel explores. This will likely be a sequel with lots of heart.