For some time now, we’ve identified that Barry Jenkins – the Oscar-winning director of Moonlight, If Beale Road Might Discuss, and The Underground Railroad – was engaged on a Lion King film at Disney. And whereas issues have been a little bit quiet on that entrance for some time, the director popped up at Disney’s D23 Expo to unveil a little bit extra of what he’s been engaged on.

Most notably, it was revealed that Jenkins’ movie is titled Mufasa: The Lion King. It’s a prequel origin story for the titular lion – and it’s coming to cinemas in 2024. “It is a story about how Mufasa rose to royalty. He was born an orphaned cub, and on this movie we get to discover his journey into the circle of life,” defined Jenkins on stage. And whereas it would appear to be a left-turn for the filmmaker, there’s something private in right here for him. “Mufasa is who he’s due to the individuals he has round him, and I noticed that in myself,” he stated. As with Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake, this one will probably be animated in a photorealistic model – with footage airing within the room that confirmed the same feel and look to Favreau’s movie.

If Jenkins can pull off one thing even a fraction as particular as his different work, we may very well be in for an unlikely Disney basic. That’s the circle of life.