That there would be a sequel to Disney's live-action Lion King remake was never in question. Despite the lacklustre reviews for the 2019 adaptation, the remake-machine at the mouse house shows no signs of slowing down.
Though critics reacted unfavourably, fans were far more taken (The Lion King has 52% and 88% scores respectively) and its box-office takings were huge: it made a worldwide total of $1.657 billion.
That a sequel has now been confirmed isn't much to write home about. However, Disney's choice of director is. Here's what we know about, and what to expect from, The Lion King 2.
The Lion King 2 director: Is Jon Favreau returning?
The short answer is no. The Mandalorian director, who helmed the first Lion King adaptation, is not coming back for the sequel. However, Barry Jenkins, writer-director of the Oscar-winning Moonlight (who was also Oscar-nominated for adapting If Beale Street Could Talk) has been tapped by Disney to helm the photo-realistic sequel.
The Farewell's award-winning director Lulu Wang, who is Jenkins's partner, celebrated the news on Twitter.
The Lion King 2 plot: Simba's Pride or Lion King 1 1/2?
There are plenty of animated sequels to 1994's The Lion King for Jenkins and co. to take inspiration. The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata! and Around the World with Timon and Pumbaa.
What we know, courtesy of Deadline, is "that the story will further explore the mythology of the characters, including Mufasa's origin story. Moving the story forward while looking back conjures memories of The Godfather: Part II, set on the African plain with a continuation of the tradition of music that was a key part of the 1994 animated classic, the 2019 film and the blockbuster Broadway stage transfer."
Whatever it's about, the sequel will use the same photorealistic technology... for better or worse.
The Lion King 2 cast: Who will return to The Lion King 2?
There has yet to be any confirmation of returning cast. However, if we're to take Deadline's plot leak as vaguely accurate, we would assume Lion King OG James Earl Jones will return as the voice of Mufasa.
There's also Donald Glover as a grown-up Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor as the evil Scar, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi and Beyoncé as the grown-up Nala. Given the movie looks like it's going to play with existing characters, we would expect them all to return – including Timon and Pumbaa, voiced by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen respectively.
Considering their presence is the element of the remake that works best, it would make a lot of sense to give these guys plenty of screen time when it comes to round two.
The Lion King 2 songs: Will Beyoncé do another new song?
The Lion King remake's saving grace was its use of the classic and beloved songs: 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight', 'Hakuna Matata', 'Circle of Life' and more. However, the songs from The Lion King's follow-ups aren't as well known.
Simba's Pride does contain some well known hits like 'My Lullaby', 'Love Will Find a Way' and the theme song 'He Lives In You'. Whether wholly new ones will be crafted, and whether Beyoncé will grace us with another new banger, remains to be seen.
The Lion King 2 release date: When is The Lion King 2 out?
There has been no confirmation on a release date. Though some sequels have come out quickly, Disney isn't reticent to hold sequels back. As for The Lion King 2 trailer, it will understandably be a while until we know. All there is to do is say 'Hakuna Matata' and stay tuned for any updates.
The Lion King is available to watch on Disney+.
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