
Deadline has reported that Barry Jenkins is set to direct the sequel to 2019’s The Lion King that featured Beyoncé, Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, JD McCrary and Seth Rogen. Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the 2019 film, will return to write the sequel. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak will likely join the project as producers. It is unclear if the original cast will return, but reports indicate that the photo-realistic approach that was used in the 2019 film will be used again.
“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.”
The Lion King is just the latest project for the accomplished director, Jenkins recently wrapped up a limited series adaptation of the Pulitzer-winner book, The Underground Railroad. He is also working on another project for Disney about the life of Alvin Ailey. Not to mention, he’s working on a film about the life of Clarissa Shields as well as a documentary called Virguna.