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Johannesburg – Disney has started production on a new animated TV movie and a new animated TV series entitled The Lion Guard as a spin-off of The Lion King and which will be broadcast on Disney Junior (DStv 309).
The Lion Guard movie will be shown on television in 2015 and the animated TV series will start in 2016 on Disney Junior. It will continue telling the story first introduced 20 years ago in the beloved Disney film.
The Lion Guard will incorporate themes of conservation, family and community while also highlighting problem-solving, creative thinking and diversity. The author and Swahili expert Sarah Mirza is the language and cultural advisor.
"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," says Nancy Kanter, the executive vice president for original programming and the general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide in a statement.
The Lion Guard will revolve around Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala who becomes the 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 in The Lion Guard 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 who is also the executive producer.
