Barry Jenkins Will Direct a Lion King Reboot Sequel That Will "Explore Character Mythology"

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If you're still suffering from fatigue of Disney's numerous live-action reboots, buckle up, because we're getting another one! On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Deadline broke the news that not only is Disney developing a sequel to 2019's record-breaking live-action reboot of The Lion King, but the studio has also already tapped Moonlight director Barry Jenkins to helm the film. The Academy Award winner confirmed the news with a tweet that simply said, "This. Yes, THIS."

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

According to Deadline, Disney has also nabbed Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the script for the first Lion King reboot, to return for the sequel and already has a completed initial draft of the script. While there's no date for the production start or release on the horizon - which makes sense considering how films are being pushed back due to the COVID pandemic - Deadline reports that the follow-up will "explore the mythology of the characters, including Mufasa's origin story." There's no mention of whether the sequel will welcome back the original film's cast, which included an all-star roster including Beyonc as Nala, Donald Glover as Simba, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa, respectively.

Luckily, while we wait for more information, you can watch the original animated version and its reboot on Disney ! Now the most important question is: will Beyonc be inspired to create another album?

Related:

The Lion King Beats Frozen's Record of Being the Highest-Grossing Animated Film of All Time

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