Story perspectives

Sequel Script Exists, but Funding Hurdles Delay Production

7/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jonathan Goldstein confirmed a sequel script exists but production is uncertain because of finances.
The 2023 film earned about $205 million worldwide, below the $150 million budget needed to break even.
Paramount’s August 2025 Skydance Media acquisition and Lionsgate’s December 2023 eOne purchase have created sequel uncertainty.
Executives say a sequel needs a reduced budget before greenlighting despite 91% Rotten Tomatoes critics and 92% audience scores.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, Disney launched The Lion King, earning $968 million against a $45 million budget, and immediately greenlit a sequel due to its blockbuster success. Disney’s internal reports showed the original held a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, while merchandise sales topped $1 billion, reinforcing confidence in a lower-budget follow-up. Jonathan Goldstein’s 2023 film, 91% Rotten Tomatoes, meets doubt as Paramount and Lionsgate seek a smaller budget after a $205 million gross missed its $150 million target. If studios replicate Disney’s 1994 strategy of trimming sequel costs, the film could secure financing, set a precedent for mid-budget franchises, and stabilize box-office risk.

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Story summary

Jonathan Goldstein confirmed a sequel script exists but production is uncertain because of finances.
The 2023 film earned about $205 million worldwide, below the $150 million budget needed to break even.
Paramount’s August 2025 Skydance Media acquisition and Lionsgate’s December 2023 eOne purchase have created sequel uncertainty.
Executives say a sequel needs a reduced budget before greenlighting despite 91% Rotten Tomatoes critics and 92% audience scores.

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