Oscar winner Barry Jenkins to direct live action Lion King sequel

Photo credit: Disney

Oscar-winning Moonlight director and scriptwriter, Barry Jenkins, is set to direct Walt Disney Studio’s sequel to their 2019 live action film adaptation of The Lion King.

Scriptwriter of the 2019 film, Jeff Nathanson, has also signed on for the follow-up and has recently submitted a first draft to the studios.

The sequel is said to further explore the character’s pasts including Mufasa’s origin.

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.”

There is currently no word on when production will commence or a future release date.