Lion King Director Nearly Changed the…

Jenkins’ Jungle: A Surprising Step into the Pride Lands

Disney’s The Lion King remains a crown jewel among franchises. It all began with the animated classic in 1994. The tale then expanded with sequels, spin-offs, and a stunning 2019 photorealistic remake. Now, the stage is set for Mufasa: The Lion King. But there was a twist in the tale—Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins almost sidestepped Disney’s big-ticket franchise.

Jenkins, celebrated for his work on Moonlight, had one word for The Lion King prequel offer: no. His agent alerted him of Disney’s pitch. Jenkins recalls, “A prequel to The Lion King? I said, ‘Yeah, that’s not going to happen.’ And that was before I glanced at a single page.”

The acclaimed director’s initial reluctance was palpable. Known for hard-hitting human dramas such as If Beale Street Could Talk, Jenkins seemed a mismatch for Disney’s high-tech animation style.

A Change of Heart in Quarantine

Enter Lulu Wang, Jenkins’ partner and fellow filmmaker. It was during the 2020 lockdown that Wang persuaded Jenkins to give the screenplay a shot. Surprisingly, the revered filmmaker was hooked. Jenkins shares, “I planned on reading five pages. Yet, 45 pages in, I told her, ‘Damn, this is good!’”

For a creator so acquainted with The Lion King, Jenkins unearthed complexities within its characters. His surprise grew as the prequel challenged his assumptions of what was set in stone about the narrative.

Screenwriter Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay struck a chord with Jenkins. He discovered a resonance in its themes of “the bonds between brothers,” alongside concepts of found family, nostalgia, community, and legacy. Here, Jenkins found elements deeply intertwined with his creative ethos.

This offering from Disney represents a monumental leap from his previous ventures. Known for intimate storytelling, Jenkins steps into a $250-million venture—a behemoth in cinematic terms.

A Star-Studded Stampede in December

In Mufasa: The Lion King, Rafiki, portrayed by John Kani, spins a yarn about the origins of Mufasa and Taka. Voiced by Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr., their journey unfolds for Simba’s daughter, Kiara, with Blue Ivy Carter lending her voice.

This narrative dives into Mufasa’s past, highlighting his adoption by Prince Taka’s family and the erosion of their brotherhood into a darker saga involving Scar.

For Jenkins, this production remains staunchly “an animated film,” despite its lifelike appeal. He taps into unexpected creative reservoirs, crafting expressiveness through photorealistic animation. “It’s a different tool,” Jenkins notes, referring to his communication with animators aiming for expressive realism.

Mufasa: The Lion King gathers a stellar cast, including Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, and Beyoncé Knowles Carter. Set to roar onto screens on December 20th, the film anticipates a reception as grand as its lineage.

In one of cinema’s unexpected turns, Jenkins’ dive into the Pride Lands might just echo his powerful storytelling harmonized with Disney magic.