The Lion King’ Stars Felt Confident With Barry Jenkins Directing

Mufasa: The Lion King, the upcoming prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of The Lion King, is just as unconventional as its predecessor. While the original 1994 film had its own sequel with The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, a sidequel in The Lion King 1½, and even two television series, a prequel exploring Mufasa’s youth has never been done before. Since the film takes place years before the 2019 film, fans of the franchise are in uncharted territory with some familiar faces from The Lion King.

What makes Mufasa: The Lion King even more unique is the director behind the project. When Barry Jenkins, the Oscar-winning writer/director behind such emotional and profound films as Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, was announced to be helming the film based on the script by screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, there was a newfound excitement for the project. Specifically, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Taka/Scar) expressed his confusion and excitement about Jenkins joining in an exclusive interview with Total Film:

“First of all, I couldn’t believe they were making another Lion King. I was very confused about that. And then I recognized that it was a prequel. And I was like, ‘What is that going to be?’ I was excited about that. And then the Barry of it all – to me, it just made me excited. I was like, ‘What a beautifully done film originally, and well executed a second time. But to get a filmmaker like him? It brings it full circle and almost right back to its home, you know?'”

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’s’ Director Barry Jenkins Will Help to Maintain Creative Integrity

In the current era of Disney remakes, sequels, and prequels, there’s always the chance that projects like these can feel creatively bankrupt. However, Barry Jenkin’s work across film and television shows a palpable passion for whatever story he aims to tell. Disney has struck gold with impassioned directors before— look no further than Jon Faverau’s 2016 remake of The Jungle Book, which received positive reviews of its own. Moreover, one Mufasa: The Lion King actor believes anyone apprehensive of this remake should have faith in Jenkins as a storyteller.

Tiffany Boone, who plays Sarabi (Simba’s mother) in the film, also talked to Total Film about the reluctance some may have with a prequel to a remake of a beloved movie. Specifically, she would cite Jenkin’s capable hands as the one constant to help see the movie through:

“I knew that any reservations people might have about doing a prequel to such a beloved film – like, is it safe? Are we going to mess up the legacy? In Barry’s hands, you know you’re going to be OK. I felt excited to be a part of it, because I knew he was going to make something really soulful and beautiful.”

It’s always an exciting occasion when a director who primarily focuses on independent filmmaking and intimate storytelling shifts his talents to a universally beloved story and provides his unique take. While some fans may think this prequel is unwarranted, there’s always the chance that Jenkins could deliver a memorable film that stands on its own from the vast mythos of the beloved animated classic.