Barry Jenkins to direct and produce The Lion King sequel

Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins has been tapped to direct Disney’s The Lion King sequel.

The Moonlight filmmaker will replace Jon Favreau behind the camera, while Jeff Nathanson, who revamped the screenplay for the 2019 film, will again pen the script.

A release date for the sequel has not yet been set.

Jenkins, who will also produce the film, tells Deadline, “Helping my sister raise two young boys during the ’90s, I grew up with these characters.

Did you watch Beyoncé’s Black is King?

“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.”