Lion King Remake-Sequel in Works at Disney

Movies

Deadline reports that Disney has plans for a sequel to 2019’s “live-action” adaptation of The Lion King. The remake-sequel has Barry Jenkins attached as director, with the first remake’s screenwriter Jeff Nathanson returning. The script’s first draft has reportedly been completed, although no production or release dates have been set. This would be yet another in the long, seemingly endless line of Disney remakes and sequels. It will also utilize the same photorealistic 3D animation as The Jungle Book (2016) and The Lion King (2019). It’s unknown what cast members, if any, will return from the first movie. The film will continue the larger story while expanding on the backstory of Mufasa. Director Barry Jenkins, who is known for critical darlings Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, had this to say about the upcoming film:

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

I guess this was inevitable. After all, Disney has a TV show about a minor character in the Aladdin remake and a Gaston prequel on the way. By comparison, this actually seems almost normal. It’s kind of weird that this admittedly vague description sounds so much like The Godfather: Part II and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again set on the African plain. I expected nothing good out of another “live-action” remake, let alone a sequel to one, but nothing about this sounds good. The one thing that really does kind of surprise me is the talent involved. This feels like a betrayal of the type of work Jenkins has made his name on. I also don’t think his involvement will suddenly make this movie good or the concept work; I like Jon Favreau a lot, but the first Lion King remake is still my pick for the worst Disney remake yet. And believe me, that’s saying something.