Disney plans another 'Lion King' movie with 'Moonlight' director Barry Jenkins

The circle of life goes on.
By Adam Rosenberg  on 
Disney plans another 'Lion King' movie with 'Moonlight' director Barry Jenkins
Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Walt Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock (10341456ad) Zazu (John Oliver as Zazu), Mufasa (James Earl Jones) and Young Simba (JD McCrary) 'The Lion King' Film - 2019 After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Credit: Walt Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

You're damn right The Lion King, the 2019 one, is getting a follow up. It's given Disney more than $1.6 billion in global ticket sales to date and its CG delivery makes it a pandemic-resistant production.

The just-revealed project will be directed by Moonlight writer and director Barry Jenkins, with a script from the first installment's writer, Jeff Nathanson. It's early, with the report noting than Nathanson has only completed an "initial draft," so don't expect casting or release date news anytime soon. Mashable has

Even the story is something of a mystery at this point. Deadline's report notes that the new Lion King "will further explore the mythology of the characters, including Mufasa's origin story." There's some suggestion that the timeline will jump back and forth between past and present, a la The Godfather: Part II, but it's not clear if that's a detail provided by Deadline's source or simply speculation from the report.

The 2019 release of The Lion King is, for all intents and purposes, a remake of the 1994 classic that swaps out the original's 2D animated presentation in favor of CG characters and scenes. There are slight changes, including some new music and a soundtrack reworked with guidance from Beyoncé.

The original movie already had a direct-to-video sequel of its own, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, released in 1998. It's not clear if this upcoming film will borrow any elements from that.

The song "He Lives in You," which features into both the Broadway adaptation of the original as well as Simba's Pride, played over the credits in the 2019 remake. So there's already a demonstrated history at Disney of digging into earlier works, and the 1998 sequel's story about Simba and Nala's daughter does "further explore the mythology of the characters."

It's too early to know any of that, but Disney is confident enough after The Lion King's 2019 success to move forward with a follow up, and with an Academy Award-winning talent in Jenkins.

Topics Disney

Mashable Image
Adam Rosenberg

Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.


Recommended For You
How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'


How to watch NC State vs. Marquette basketball without cable
DJ Horne #0 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack drives to the basket as Blake Lampman #11 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies defends during the first half of a game in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue basketball without cable
Purdue Boilermakers guard Lance Jones (55) starts a fast break during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division I Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Tennessee vs. Creighton basketball without cable
Ryan Kalkbrenner #11 of the Creighton Bluejays goes to the basket in the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

More in Entertainment
Celebrate spring blooms with flowery Lego sets on sale for 20% off at Amazon
a woman builds a bouquet of lego flowers




When is the last day to file taxes?
A person at their computer holding a note that reads "tax time."

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 29
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 29
a phone displaying Wordle


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28
a phone displaying Wordle
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!