Walt Disney Studios plans to create a sequel to The Lion King which will be directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, according to Deadline.
The House of Mouse has asked the Moonlight director to helm the follow-up to the 2019 blockbuster, using the same photo-realistic technology as the last instalment.
Script writer Jeff Nathanson has also been tasked with writing this one, and has reportedly already finished a first draft.
So far, there's very little known about the sequel, but the addition of Jenkins - who was also nominated for Best Picture for If Beale Street Could Talk, after Moonlight won in 2017 - is definitely an exciting turn.
The film will follow a lot of the stylistic directions laid down in Jon Favreau's first film, as well as in 2016's remake of The Jungle Book.
There is no plan currently for when the film will be released, or even start production - things are a bit weird just now, aren't they? - but this project will presumably feature pretty high on Disney's list of priorities.
After all, the first film grossed $1.6 billion at the box office worldwide. Those kind of numbers can't be ignored, and will likely see the film shoot to the top of the list of concerns over at President of Production Sean Bailey's division.
Speaking about his involvement in the project, Jenkins said: "Helping my sister raise two young boys during the '90s, I grew up with these characters.
"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."
