Disney Junior is currently developing an animated TV series targeted to children ages 2-7 that will serve as a follow-up to 1994’s The Lion King entitled The Lion Guard.
The series is expected to premiere as an hour-long TV movie in November of 2015, and then begin airing as regular episodes in January 2016 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. The Lion Guard will be centered around Kion, son of The Lion King’s hero Simba, who brings together a team of animals called The Lion Guard to help protect the Pride Lands. The new characters will include a hippo, a honey badger, a cheetah, and an egret. However, many characters from the hit film are also expected to make an appearance in the series, including Simba, Nala, Rafiki, Zazu, Timon and Pumbaa.
“It’s kind of like The Lion King meets The Avengers,” Disney Junior general manager Nancy Kanter told The Wall Street Journal.
The producers will consult wildlife education experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom amusement park. The show will focus on themes such as family and friendship, as well as conservation.
“The story of The Lion King has deeply touched families around the world since its original theatrical release 20 years ago,” Kanter stated. “We look forward to introducing a whole new generation of kids to both the Disney legacy characters and to new friends and heroes.”
