‘The Lion King’: ‘Moonlight’ Helmer Barry Jenkins To Direct Sequel

Moonlight helmer Barry Jenkins is set to direct the sequel to Disney’s live-action The Lion King.

Disney is developing a sequel to its 2019 smash hit The Lion King and the studio has set Barry Jenkins to direct the project. The Lion King writer Jeff Nathanson is returning to pen the sequel, which does not yet have a release date.

Barry Jenkins is best known for his work on Moonlight, the 2016 coming-of-age drama that won Best Picture at the 89th Academy Awards. The Lion King sequel is his second project for Disney, as he is also developing an Alvin Ailey biopic for Searchlight Pictures, a division of the company.

The Lion King revolves around a young cub named Simba, who is manipulated into fleeing the pride lands he was destined to rule after his uncle Scar murders King Mufasa and convinces the prince that he is responsible for his own father’s death. After meeting two eccentric companions and reuniting with childhood friend Nala, an adult Simba finds himself confronted with the choice of remaining in exile or returning home to end the tyrannical rule of Scar and take his rightful place as King.

Directed by Jon Favreau from a script written by Jeff Nathanson, The Lion King features the voice talents of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Kani as Rafiki, John Oliver as Zazu, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, Eric Andre as Azizi, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa.

Disney’s The Lion King is now available on Digital HD, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, and DVD. Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news regarding the sequel and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!

Source: Deadline