Disney starts production of new ‘Lion King’ TV series

“The Lion Guard”

Disney has started production of a “Lion King” television series that continues the story from 20 years ago based on Simba and Nala’s children.

“The Lion Guard,” an animated television movie will premiere in Fall 2015, and the subsequent series will debut in early 2016 on Disney Junior and Disney Channel, according to a Disney Junior press release.

According to the official synopsis: The story 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.

Animal Kingdom theme park wildlife education experts will serve as consultants and will incorporate themes of conservation, family and community.