‘Lion King’ Live-Action Sequel in The Works, Led By ‘Moonlight’ Director Barry Jenkins

September 29, 2020 by Demi Lobo in Film with 0 Comments

‘Lion King’ Live-Action Sequel in The Works, Led By ‘Moonlight’ Director Barry Jenkins

A new installment of 2019’s live-action movie The Lion King is reportedly in the works. The original film was written by Jeff Nathanson, and he reportedly has already gotten started on the script ready for the sequel.

Barry Jenkins

Barry Jenkins who has previously won an Oscar’s for Best Picture for Moonlight will direct the upcoming film.

No release date has been set for the film, but it is said to be using the same photo-realistic technology used in the 2019 movie, as well as 2016’s The Jungle Book.

The last film grossed roughly $1.6 billion worldwide, and will reportedly dive more into Mufasa’s origin. Barry Jenkins says growing up on The Lion King, working with Disney is an honor.

“Helping my sister raise two young boys during the ’90s, I grew up with these characters. 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.”

No word on who will be apart of the cast of the new film, but Beyonce was the voice of Nala in the last film, and Simba was be played by Donald Glover. They joined James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, John Oliver as Zazu, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, and Billy Eichner as Timon. Other new names to join the cast include Keegan Michael-Key, recently seen Off-Broadway in Hamlet, as Kamari, along with John Kani as Rafiki, Eric André as Azizi, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi, JD McCrary as Young Simba, and Shahadi WrightJoseph as Young Nala. The Lion King will be directed by Jon Favreau and is scheduled be released in summer 2019.