Jon Favreau to Helm Live-Action Adaptation of 'The Lion King'

After the success of Walt Disney's recent live-action adaptation of the iconic childhood tale "The Jungle Book," "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau will be returning to the directorial seat once again for a modern take on the classic animated adventure, "The Lion King."

This will be the sixth project in Disney's recent slew of live-action adaptations for their animated classics. Thus far, "Maleficent," (based on "Sleeping Beauty") "Cinderella" and "Pete's Dragon" have received the live treatment, with next year's "Beauty and the Beast" being the next one in line to be screened.

Disney's recent press release for the said announcement reads:

"We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of The Lion King on the fast track to production. The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide."

In addition, Disney has confirmed that a sequel to "The Jungle Book" is now in the pipeline, with Favreau making a return to helmer duties.

Perhaps one of Disney's biggest animated hits to date, "The Lion King" won multiple awards at the Academy Awards, including Best Original Song (for Elton John's "Can You Feel The Love Tonight") and Best Original Score. It has also been translated into multiple languages, and has received the Broadway treatment in a string of shows in the US.

No release date has been stated yet for "The Lion King."