(National Georgraphic)
Lion is coming soon to National Geographic. The new documentary series will follow one cub’s journey as he grows up over a four-year period.
National Geographic Channel shared the following about the series:
“National Geographic unveiled the official trailer for LION, an emotional, real-life drama that chronicles the remarkable four-year journey of a tiny lion cub named Kio as he becomes a king. LION is executive produced by Disney Legend and “The Lion King” live-action director Jon Favreau and BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s Creative director Mike Gunton (“Planet Earth II,” “Dynasties”), with the score by legendary Academy Award(R)-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“Dune” parts one and two, “Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Inception”), Niccolò Pacella and George Huston Warren for Bleeding Fingers Music.
The four-part event series debuts on National Geographic Aug. 19, beginning at 9/8c with all episodes streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
With narration by O.J. Lynch (Mufasa, “The Lion King” stage production), LION brings to life the extraordinary true story of the Maasai Mara’s lion kings, queens and a new hero named Kio. Blending Favreau’s distinctive storytelling and passion with Gunton’s world-class natural history expertise, the ambitious series goes beyond traditional wildlife documentaries to deliver a gripping, blockbuster drama rooted in documentary truth.
Zimmer leads the score alongside Bleeding Fingers Music’s Niccolò Pacella and George Hutson Warren, with additional vocals from the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. Drawing on recordings captured in the Maasai Mara, including local singers, instruments and even lion roars, the music blends the scale of a cinematic adventure with the emotional texture of the wild, while subtly weaving in rerecorded musical nods to “The Lion King.” The original series soundtrack will be released through Hollywood Records on Aug. 21 and will be available wherever music is streamed.
Four years in the making and filmed in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, this is the first natural history production to document a lion’s complete journey from vulnerable cub to king. The crew, including local Kenyan filmmakers, logged nearly 1,400 filming days across 52 shoots – the most time ever spent in the field exclusively following a single pride.
“After tracking the lions in the field for four years, the pride never ceased to surprise us – what Kio endures and eventually becomes is extraordinary. Watching the hero’s journey against the backdrop of nature was incredible to witness,” says Favreau.
Echoing the themes that made the beloved animated film a classic, the series is a sweeping coming-of-age saga of family, hope and courage that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Filled with drama, heart and high-stakes adventure, it offers a powerful co-viewing experience for animal lovers, families and anyone drawn to epic storytelling.”
The trailer for the series is below.
What do you think? Do you plan to watch this wildlife documentary series?
