Mufasa: The Lion King announced at D23 Expo 2022 from Moonlight director Barry Jenkins

The story of the Lion King is set to continue in a new prequel to the 2019 remake of the animated classic officially announced Friday afternoon at D23 Expo 2022, with attendees to the event having a chance to see some exclusive footage.

Mufasa: The Lion King is said to be the origin story of Simba's father in the original Lion King story that takes a look at just what made him into the king whose steps Simba would come to follow.. The film is coming from some true talent, with Academy Award-winning Moonlight director Barry Jenkins in the director’s chair, working from a script by Jeff Nathanson.

Talking about the project earlier this year — months before today’s official reveal of the project and title — Jenkins said, “Kings aren't just born, they aren't just made. They have to become who they are through a series of events that a lot of people can relate to. So, in that standpoint, it fits very well with everything else I've done. So I feel no pressure, I just want to do a good job.”

No official release date for the movie has been given, but the official Walt Disney Studios Twitter account promised it in 2024.

Catch up on this and all the big news, reports, interviews, and galleries of the weekend with Popverse's D23 Expo 2022 coverage round-up.

In some ways, D23 Expo is a three-day live version of Disney's streaming service Disney+. TV shows, movies, and specials from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, National Geographic, and more are on the streaming service.