Barry Jenkins expressed his initial hesitation to direct a blockbuster such as "Mufasa: The Lion King", but saw potential in adding complexity to its themes. He emphasized how 2024 is a much more complex world than 1994, enabling a deeper exploration of the narrative. Jenkins aims to unpack knotty issues that resonate with contemporary audiences, stating, "You have this great starting point with audiences anywhere, especially with these built-in notions of good and evil." This careful layering of themes, he believes, will enrich the beloved original story.
Reflecting on his childhood, Jenkins recounted growing up poor in a Miami housing project, where he found solace in a dilapidated laundromat with a massive tree nearby. He described how he would escape to the tree's top whenever life became overwhelming. "I would climb up in the window to get onto the roof, and then I would jump onto the tree. And I would squirrel up into the very top of this tree..." This nostalgic memory highlights the search for safety and comfort amidst difficult circumstances.
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