Jon Favreau on His First Documentary, National Geographic’s ‘Lion’: Not Knowing Whether the Lead Character Would Survive Was ‘Harrowing’
When renowned wildlife producer Mike Gunton approached “The Lion King” director Jon Favreau about collaborating on a documentary, the director, who had never made a doc, immediately said yes. It was 2022, and Gunton, an executive producer at BBC Studios Natural History Unit, want
Jon Favreau, best known for directing blockbuster films like "The Lion King" and "Iron Man", has taken a departure from his usual genre with his first documentary, "Lion", produced in collaboration with National Geographic. The documentary follows the story of a lion, and what makes it particularly compelling is that Favreau himself didn't know if the lead character would survive, describing the experience as "harrowing". This personal investment from Favreau not only showcases his versatility as a filmmaker but also highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife documentaries.
The collaboration with Mike Gunton, a seasoned wildlife producer, likely played a significant role in Favreau's decision to venture into documentary filmmaking. As an executive producer at BBC Studios Natural History Unit, Gunton brings a wealth of experience in crafting compelling wildlife stories. The partnership between Favreau's directorial style and Gunton's expertise in natural history filmmaking could potentially bring a fresh perspective to the genre. With the documentary now out, audiences can expect a thrilling and emotionally charged viewing experience.
As the documentary filmmaking landscape continues to evolve, it's interesting to see established filmmakers like Favreau exploring new formats. With the success of "Lion", we can expect to see more of Favreau's work in the documentary space. For now, audiences should keep an eye out for more National Geographic collaborations, as the network continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in the natural history genre. Favreau's next project is already a topic of interest, and it will be exciting to see how he builds on this documentary experience.
Originally reported by variety.com. SerbNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.