The Lion King 2 Director Barry Jenkins teases new storyline details on Disney's upcoming prequel. The Lion King's original theatrical release in 1994 sent the animated classic directly to legendary status by mesmerizing audiences and, at the time, earning itself the second-highest box office take ever. All told, the take fell only slightly short of the whopping record set by Jurassic Park the year prior. Since then, The Lion King franchise has stretched itself across many mediums including The Lion King musical on Broadway, various video games, books, sequels, and spinoffs. In 2019, Jon Favreau grabbed the helm and directed Disney's CGI remake of The Lion King which was ultimately met with criticism and a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of a mere 52%.
In 2020, renowned director Barry Jenkins announced his signing to helm a prequel to The Lion King. Unlike some of the other tales spun off the original animated film, this prequel to Favreau's 2019 remake will aim its primary focus on a young Mufasa and his brother Scar. Ultimately, the upcoming movie will delve into how and why the two brothers end up scornful adversaries. Upon reading the script, Jenkins noted that he was completely blown away by how good it was.
In a recent interview via Variety, Jenkins teases some new storyline details regarding Disney's upcoming prequel, The Lion King 2. In his statement, Jenkins touches on his connection to the characters he grew up with and divulges that he feels no pressure regarding making the film. The director also shines some light on what truly makes up a king, which is likely a lot of what the film will ultimately explore. See Jenkins's exact comments below:
I grew up with these characters; they mean so much to me. I think the work that Jeff Nathanson, the writer, did and going back into really helping children, and anyone who ever loved this property understands what it takes. Kings aren't just born; they aren't just made. They have to become who they are through a series of events that a lot of people can relate to. So, I think from that standpoint; it fits very well with everything else I've done. So, I feel no pressure; I just want to do a good job.
Alongside Jenkins is Aaron Pierre to voice Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. voicing Taka. Taka, the younger version of Scar, is another angle to the storyline Jenkins will address; how Taka ultimately becomes the exiled version of Mufasa's brother, Scar. Jenkin's assuredness in the script should hopefully reaffirm anyone's doubts regarding the upcoming prequel. For instance, Jenkins has a few successful adaptations under his belt, including 2016's Moonlight, which he adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. That being the case, and with a little more insight into the film's storyline, convinced viewers should ultimately show up with a confident Jenkins leading the charge.
Making The Lion King 2 undoubtedly comes with its share of pressure, whether or not Jenkins feels it. The Lion King franchise is legendary, and Disney likely has high expectations for success. So, a flop would be tragic. However, Jenkins is supremely confident in himself as a director and the team behind him. All the elements of greatness appear to be falling in line, and fans will likely flock to uncover the origins of Mufasa and Scar upon the film's ultimate release.
Source: Variety