Barely a year after Mufasa: The Lion King hit theaters, Disney appears ready to return once again to the Pride Lands. According to a report from industry insider Daniel Richtman (via Patreon), a new Lion King installment is already in development at Disney. While the studio has yet to make any official announcement, the news has quickly stirred excitement—and frustration—among fans.

A Profitable Legacy That Disney Can’t Let Go

Over the last four decades, The Lion King franchise has earned Disney more than $3.3 billion at the global box office. The 2019 photorealistic remake alone grossed $1.66 billion, while 2024’s Mufasa brought in over $722 million. With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that Disney wants to “strike while the iron is hot.”

Still, many moviegoers worry that the creative spark behind the brand is dimming. Fans on social media are already voicing concerns that another Lion King project could be less about storytelling and more about profits.

Fan Backlash: Has Disney Gone Too Far?

Nostalgia has always been Disney’s strongest currency, but over-reliance on it can backfire. The company’s recent live-action ventures—like Snow White—have proven that not every classic can be remade successfully. Two Lion King films in five years have already tested audiences’ patience, and the possibility of a third has amplified the criticism.

Many viewers argue that the studio is “milking” a beloved property instead of exploring new stories. Words like creative bankruptcy and box-office greed are circulating across online forums. Yet, as Disney’s remake of Lilo & Stitch recently showed, there’s still potential to breathe new life into an old favorite when done with care.

What Could the Next Lion King Movie Be About?

If Disney truly moves forward with another Lion King film, one logical direction could be revisiting the story of Simba’s Pride (1998). That animated sequel followed Kiara—the daughter of Simba and Nala—and her forbidden romance with Kovu, a lion raised by Scar’s followers.

Adapting Simba’s Pride into the current cinematic timeline could give audiences a new emotional anchor while expanding the generational saga. It would also align perfectly with Disney’s current approach: blending nostalgia with modern cinematic spectacle.

The Lion King Timeline: Box Office and Ratings

Movie	Rotten Tomatoes	IMDb	Box Office
The Lion King (1994)	92 %	8.5	$979 million
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998)	67 %	6.4	–
The Lion King 1½ (2004)	76 %	6.5	$1,465
The Lion King (2019)	52 %	6.8	$1.66 billion
Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)	56 %	6.6	$722 million

A Roaring Future or a Risky Bet?

Disney’s challenge now is to balance commercial expectations with creative integrity. The Lion King saga remains one of the most iconic tales in animation history—a story of legacy, identity, and redemption. Whether this rumored sequel will honor that spirit or simply capitalize on nostalgia remains to be seen.

While many fans fear another remake might dilute the emotional weight of the original, others believe that The Lion King universe still has stories worth telling. Exploring Kiara’s coming-of-age journey, Kovu’s redemption arc, or even an entirely new Pride Lands generation could add depth to the mythology without retreading old ground.

The technology developed for The Lion King (2019) and Mufasa could also evolve the franchise visually. Disney’s advancements in photorealistic animation allow for breathtaking detail, and when paired with a strong narrative, the result can be both commercially successful and artistically rewarding.

Still, the studio’s recent mixed track record with live-action remakes leaves audiences skeptical. Films like Pinocchio and Peter Pan & Wendy underperformed, proving that star power and nostalgia alone aren’t enough. If Disney hopes to win audiences back, the next Lion King must focus on emotional storytelling and meaningful character arcs, not just box-office appeal.

Ultimately, the fate of this new Lion King project will depend on how boldly Disney chooses to evolve. Will it roar with originality or echo the same familiar tune? Fans can only hope that the next time the sun rises over Pride Rock, it brings a story worthy of its legacy — one that reminds everyone why The Lion King has stood the test of time.