What on Earth Would "The Lion King 2" Actually Be About?

The circle of life continues.

We're not too sure who asked for a sequel to Disney's 2019 'live action' remake of The Lion King, but it looks like we're getting one anyway. 

As reported by Deadline, the Walt Disney Studios has set Oscar-winning Moonlight director Barry Jenkins to helm a follow-up film. 

Of course, Moonlight is a tad more emotionally devastating than The Lion King (don't @ me), so it'll be interesting to see what the director brings to the sequel.

The sequel will use the photo-realistic technology that director Jon Favreau used in the 2019 film and 2016's The Jungle Book. 

Although, we're hoping the lions look a little more, uh, emotive in the sequel.

Will the sequel be an adaptation of Simba's Pride?

Unfortunately for fans of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, it's unlikely that this follow-up film will resemble the 1998 direct-to-video flick.

Simba's Pride centred on the forbidden love between Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara, and the heir to Scar's exiled tribe, Kovu. 

Let's be honest: the movie was pretty forgettable. On the other hand, the bops from the soundtrack will live on in our memories forever. 

Okay, so what will the sequel be about?

Good question.

Details are being kept tightly under wraps, but according to Deadline, the story will explore the mythology of the characters. This'll include Mufasa's origin story, so we can expect to learn a lot more about his past. 

Additionally, the film is expected to feature new songs sung by the lions (maybe we'll hear a Simba's Pride track after all). 

At this stage, cast details have not been confirmed. The voice cast for The Lion King included Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover, Alfre Woodard, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, James Earl Jones, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Eric Andre, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Amy Sedaris and Chance the Rapper.

Jeff Nathanson, who also scripted the last installment, is back for The Lion King 2 and has already completed an initial draft of the script.

On top of that, Jenkins' PASTEL partners Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak are expected to come on board as producers.

"Helping my sister raise two young boys during the '90s, I grew up with these characters," Jenkins said in a statement.

"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." 

Jenkins' partner Lulu Wang, who helmed The Farewell, posted this absolutely adorable video on social media to celebrate the news. 

pic.twitter.com/70yQh7Ip1S

— Lulu Wang (@thumbelulu) September 29, 2020

No release date has been announced yet, but we'll keep you updated.

One thing is for certain though: The Lion King's circle of life just ain't ending.

Header Image: Walt Disney Pictures