Disney's recent The Lion King was a resounding success, spawning mostly positive reviews and a spinoff Beyoncé album. As such, it should come as no surprise that Disney has greenlit a sequel — and it's hired a big name to helm the project.
Barry Jenkins — who won an Oscar for his fantastic Moonlight and was nominated again for If Beale Street Could Talk — has been tapped to helm the Lion King sequel.
The news was first announced by Deadline, who explain that plot details are under wraps but that the film will likely continue to explore the mythology of the characters. The film will utilize the same "live action" technology as it did with the first Lion King remake.
"Helping my sister raise two young boys during the '90s, I grew up with these characters," Jenkins said in a statement. "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."
The new Lion King film does not have a release date just yet. Jenkins is also working on a biopic about choreographer Alvin Ailey for Disney.
Barry Jenkins — who won an Oscar for his fantastic Moonlight and was nominated again for If Beale Street Could Talk — has been tapped to helm the Lion King sequel.
The news was first announced by Deadline, who explain that plot details are under wraps but that the film will likely continue to explore the mythology of the characters. The film will utilize the same "live action" technology as it did with the first Lion King remake.
"Helping my sister raise two young boys during the '90s, I grew up with these characters," Jenkins said in a statement. "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."
The new Lion King film does not have a release date just yet. Jenkins is also working on a biopic about choreographer Alvin Ailey for Disney.