DVDizzy Forum

Mitchell Stein- Looks like Boy Meets World isn't the only Disney franchise to be resurrected back to television again this year. In a very surpirsing announcement made today revealed by the Wall Street Journal, Disney Junior is producing a series based off The Lion King set to air sometime in 2015.

“It’s kind of like ‘The Lion King’ meets ‘The Avengers,’” says Disney Junior general manager Nancy Kanter in the article. The plot story follows a cub named Kion, who is the son of Simba from the Lion King films, who assembles a group of animals to help him protect the pride lands. You might be familiar with Simba's daughter Kiara, who appeared in the direct-to-video sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. Unless they plan to incorporate Kiara into this brand-new series this probably makes the canon in Simba's Pride completely irrelevant and may even pretend that the film didn't exist, which is likely as the movie was received a bit more critical reception than the original film, although it leveled up as a direct-to-video film. No recognition is found much in the world of Disney movies, theme parks or merchandise, so it's possible Disney chose to forget about that one altogether.

The new series, is set to premiere on Disney Channel sometime in 2015. It is unknown if it will have any specific connection to Disney Afternoon's Timon and Pumbaa television series.

disneyprincess11 wrote:Ummmmm....if Disney clearly knows about Kiara, WHY REPLACE HER WITH A RANDOM KID?!?! I'm so confused now to which one really happened?

moviefan12 wrote:Could be really fun but couldn't Kiara have been included as this character's big sister?

SWillie! wrote:Kiara will be in this - just not the main character.

The Lion King, following the adventures of Simba and Nala's children. Geared towards kids age 2-7 and their families, "The Lion Guard" television movie will premiere in Fall 2015, and the subsequent series will debut in early 2016 on Disney Junior and Disney Channel.

"The Lion Guard" begins as Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, assumes the role of leader of the Lion Guard, a group of the bravest and brightest tasked with preserving the Pride Lands. Instead of assembling a team of young lions to serve with him, Kion challenges tradition by calling upon friends he believes are the best choices - Bunga, a fearless honey badger; Fuli, a confident cheetah; Beshte, a happy-go-lucky hippo; and Ono, an intellectual egret. Stories will include special appearances by Mufasa, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Zazu and Kion's older sister, Kiara, the future Queen of the Pride Lands.

"The Lion Guard" movie and series were developed by Ford Riley ("Special Agent Oso"), who also serves as executive producer. Howy Parkins ("Jake and the Never Land Pirates") is director. Christopher Willis ("Mickey Mouse") is the composer.

Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said, "The story of 'The Lion King' has deeply touched families around the world since its original theatrical release 20 years ago. We look forward to introducing a whole new generation of kids to both the Disney legacy characters and to new friends and heroes."

The wildlife education experts at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park will serve as consultants on "The Lion Guard" stories, which will incorporate themes of conservation, family and community while also highlighting problem-solving, creative thinking and diversity. Author and Swahili expert Sarah Mirza is the language and cultural advisor.