Barry Jenkins to Direct The Lion King Sequel

The lion is not sleeping tonight! Deadline scoops Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins will direct the live action sequel to The Lion King.

The follow up to 2019’s The Lion King sees Jenkins taking over for Jon Favreau! The film hauled in a $1.6 billion worldwide box office, so a sequel is no surprise. Jenkins helming this film is his second project for the mouse house. He is also directing a film on iconic African-American choreographer Alvin Ailey.

Jenkins expresses his interest in the project, and reveals his history with The Lion King. “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.”

Jeff Nathanson, the pen behind last year’s Lion King, wrote the sequel’s screenplay as well. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak will likely become producers for the film. The cast is still up in the air at this time.

Are you excited for Jenkins’ vision for The Lion King 2?