Narrated by the voice of Mufasa, Lion is Nat Geo's new documentary following a real lion cub for four years

In a groundbreaking four-part documentary series now streaming on National Geographic, zoo filmmaker Jon Favreau and composer Hans Zimmer bring the natural world to life. Lion, a four-year-long docuseries, follows the life of a lion cub named Kio in Kenya's Maasai Mara. The series, streaming in the UAE on Disney+ and in India on JioHotstar, captures Kio's journey from vulnerable cub to potential king.

About half of all lion cubs do not survive to adulthood, but Kio is among the fortunate ones. The series documents Kio's trials and triumphs, including encounters with buffalo, hyenas, people, other lions, and even fire. Kio's close bond with his mother plays a crucial role in his survival, providing him with the protection and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of early life.

Jon Favreau's first documentary experience was unlike anything he had done before. He had to fully surrender himself to the unpredictable nature of the story, facing the harrowing reality of not knowing if Kio would survive each rainy season. The filming team, including local Kenyan filmmakers, spent over 1,400 days tracking Kio and his pride, making it the first time a documentary crew has spent that amount of time with a single pride and the first to follow a cub into adulthood.

The crew identified up to 50 lions from different prides by name and family relationships, creating identification cards detailing even the smallest features like whisker spots. Hans Zimmer, renowned for his work on the 1994 Lion King animated classic, composed the series' score, incorporating local sounds and roars of the lions. The official soundtrack was released on August 21 through Hollywood Records.

Narrated by O.J. Lynch, who famously voiced Mufasa in the Disney stage production, the series brings a unique emotional connection to the natural history story. Favreau emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the footage, noting the impact of the advent of AI-generated content. He marvels at the extraordinary journey of Kio, whose life, filled with danger, exile, brotherhood, loss, and triumph, becomes a heroic tale against the backdrop of nature. The series is currently streaming in the UAE on Disney+ and in India on JioHotstar.