National Geographic’s ‘Lion’ took four years, 20 lions and an unpredictable star to make

Creating a documentary about a lion cub's journey through the Maasai Mara in Kenya proved to be a challenging and unpredictable endeavor for National Geographic. The four-year process involved a team of 20 lions and an uncertain star, as the filmmakers had to contend with the unpredictable nature of the African savannah and the fickle instincts of their subject.

Kenyan producer and director Faith Musembi was at the helm of the project, which eventually premiered on the network on August 23rd. The series, titled Lion, was directed by Jon Favreau, known for his work on The Lion King.

The team faced numerous obstacles throughout the filming process. Initially, more than 20 lions were considered for the lead role, making the casting decision a crucial yet difficult one. As time passed, individual stories began to emerge, and the team narrowed down their focus to one particular cub, Kio. Despite the clear investment in Kio's story, there was no guarantee of success, as the filmmakers had no script or contract to ensure a favorable outcome. The uncertainty surrounding the lion's survival fueled the team's dedication to the project.

To differentiate between the various characters in the pride, Musembi and her team meticulously tracked each lion's characteristics and idiosyncrasies. This painstaking process was necessary to avoid confusion and ensure that each lion was accurately represented in the final product. The unpredictable weather and the lions' natural inclination to sleep for much of the day added further challenges to the already complex filming schedule.

The team had to remain steadfast in their commitment to capturing Kio's story, regardless of the conditions.

One of the most significant aspects of the project was the naming of the lions, which helped to humanize the characters and create a deeper connection with the audience. By giving each lion a distinct name, Musembi was able to elevate the storytelling and provide viewers with a sense of personal investment in the feline subjects.

As she explained, assigning names to the animals transformed them from mere numbers to individual characters, making it easier for viewers to empathize with their journeys. Through this approach, National Geographic's Lion offers a compelling and immersive exploration of the life of a lion cub in one of Africa's most iconic ecosystems.