The Lion Guard

The Lion Guard is an American animated television series developed by Ford Riley[2] and based on Disney's 1994 film The Lion King. The series was first broadcast with a television film titled The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar on Disney Channel on November 22, 2015, and began airing as a TV series on January 15, 2016, on Disney Junior.[3] It is the second television series to be based on The Lion King, the first being Timon & Pumbaa. The Lion Guard is a sequel to The Lion King and takes place during the time-gap within the 1998 film The Lion King II: Simba's Pride,[4] with the third and final season taking place in parallel with the film's second act, followed by the final two episodes of the series serving as a continuation to the film.

The Lion Guard
GenreAdventure
Coming-of-age
Comedy-drama
Developed byFord Riley
Directed byHowy Parkins
Tom Derosier
Voices of
Opening theme"Call of the Guard" performed by The Lion Guard Chorus
Ending theme"Here Comes the Lion Guard" (Seasons 1–2) performed by Beau Black
"The Power of the Roar" (Season 3) written by Ford Riley and Beau Black
performed by Michael Luwoye
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes75 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersFord Riley
Howy Parkins
Running time22 minutes
Production companyDisney Television Animation
DistributorDisney–ABC Domestic Television
Release
Original networkDisney Channel (2015)
Disney Junior (2016–2019)
First shown inNovember 22, 2015 (pilot)
Original releaseJanuary 15, 2016 (2016-01-15) –
November 3, 2019 (2019-11-03)
External links
Official website

The second season premiered on July 7, 2017. A third season was commissioned on March 15, 2017, and premiered on August 3, 2019.[5] The first eight episodes of season 3 were made available on-demand and the DisneyNow app on the same day.[6] The series finale aired on November 3, 2019.

Plot

Prince Kion is the son of King Simba and Queen Nala, the younger brother of Princess Kiara. As the second-born cub of the royal family, he is gifted with a power called the Roar of the Elders and becomes the leader of the Lion Guard, a team who protect the Pride Lands and defend the Circle of Life. Despite the tradition that the Lion Guard has always been made of lions, Kion appoints his friends Bunga the honey badger, Beshte the hippopotamus, Fuli the cheetah, and Ono the egret, and together, they set out to keep their homeland safe and protect it from animals who do not respect the Circle of Life.

Starting in season 2, the Lion Guard's mission becomes harder when Kion’s great uncle Scar returns as a fiery spirit and plans to destroy the Pride Lands. Scar forms an army consisted of animals from the Outlands. This eventually leads to an all-out battle between the Pridelanders and the Outlanders.

At the beginning of season 3, the Lion Guard have become teenagers and defeat Scar. They then travel out of the Pride Lands of Africa and across the world to get to the Tree of Life to cure Kion and Ono’s battle injuries. Kion's team also gets a new member, a martial eagle named Anga who replaces Ono's position as the keenest of sight after Ono temporarily loses his eyesight, while Ono gains a new position as the smartest.

Once reaching the Tree of Life, the Lion Guard assists in defending the haven from intruders together with the Night Pride, the royal family who rules the Tree of Life and its protectors. After Kion and Ono are healed and their enemies are defeated, Jasiri and Janja come looking for them and alert them that Zira and her pride are back. The Lion Guard returns to the Pride Lands, only to find out that the conflict has already been settled. Zira's daughter, Vitani, forms her own Lion Guard in their absence, causing an argument between them and Kion's Lion Guard. However, after seeing Vitani's confidence in becoming a leader even without the Roar, Kion allows Vitani's Lion Guard to succeed his Guard as defenders of the Pride Lands. Kion and his friends return to the Tree of Life where Kion marries the Night Pride’s leader, Queen Rani, and is crowned King of the Tree of Life with his family and friends attending.

Episodes
Main article: List of The Lion Guard episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
PilotNovember 22, 2015 (2015-11-22)
126January 15, 2016 (2016-01-15)April 21, 2017 (2017-04-21)
229July 7, 2017 (2017-07-07)April 22, 2019 (2019-04-22)
319August 3, 2019 (2019-08-03)November 3, 2019 (2019-11-03)

Characters
Main article: List of The Lion King characters

The Lion Guard
  • Kion (voiced by Max Charles,[1] singing voice by Aaron Daniel Jacob in season 3) – A lion who is Simba and Nala's second-born cub, Mufasa's grandson, Kiara's younger brother, the Prince of the Pride Lands and the leader of the Lion Guard as well as its fiercest member. He serves as the main protagonist of the series. He often exclaims "Hevi kabisa!" His and the Lion Guard's catchphrase is "Till the Pride Lands end, Lion Guard defend!" By the end of the season 3 premiere "Battle for the Pride Lands," Kion gets a scar over his left eye due to being bit by Ushari before finally defeating Scar. Kion and the Lion Guard then journey to find the Tree of Life to heal him. Once reaching the Tree of Life, Kion meets the protectors of the tree, the Night Pride, who guides him during his recovery process.
  • Bunga (voiced by Joshua Rush[1]) – A honey badger who is the bravest member of the Lion Guard. He is Timon and Pumbaa's adoptive nephew and Kion's best friend.[7] He often exclaims "Un-Bunga-lievable!" His battle cry is "Zuka Zama!" In season three he meets a female honey badger named Binga, and they fall in love.
  • Fuli (voiced by Diamond White[1]) – A cheetah who is the fastest member of the Lion Guard, the only female member (before Anga), Kion's friend and second-in-command. She is also the first female animal to ever serve in the Guard as mentioned in the season 2 special The Rise of Scar. Her battle cry is "Huwezi!" In season three, she develops romantic feelings for a male cheetah named Azaad.
  • Ono (voiced by Atticus Shaffer[1]) – An egret who is Kion's friend. Ono was the keenest of sight of the Lion Guard until his eyes were damaged while saving Bunga in "Battle for the Pride Lands." Despite this, even though Ono respectfully relinquishes his original role to Anga, Kion still keeps him as part of the Lion Guard by giving Ono the new role of the smartest member, due to Ono's vast knowledge of all kinds of animals, the environment and much more. He often exclaims "Hapana!" In Season 3, he also often mutters "Nowaza" whenever he tries to think, most commonly when he tries to remember to locations on the map to the Tree of Life. He is the youngest member of the Lion Guard.
  • Beshte (voiced by Dusan Brown[1]) – A hippopotamus who is the strongest member of the Lion Guard and Kion's friend. His friendliness extends to everyone, as he acts like a big brother to the younger members of his herd, a friend to animals of all different species, and a protector of the Pride Lands at large. He often exclaims "Poa!" His battle cry is "Twende Kiboko!"
  • Anga (voiced by Bryana Salaz) – An eagle who takes over as the keenest of sight from Ono. Her battle cry is "Anga Lenga!"

The Lion King alumni

The characters returning from The Lion King and its sequels and spin-offs appear in this series:

  • Simba (voiced by Rob Lowe[1]) – A lion who is Mufasa's son, Nala's mate, Scar's nephew, and Kion and Kiara's father. He is the King of the Pride Lands and the leader of his Pride.[8] Simba and Bunga share a history of having lived with Timon and Pumbaa, as pointed in the season 1 episode "Bunga and The King." Lowe replaces Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba in the original film and sequel.
  • Nala (voiced by Gabrielle Union[1]) – A lioness who is Simba's mate, Kion and Kiara's mother. She is the Queen of the Pride Lands.[8] Union replaces Moira Kelly, who voiced Nala in the original film and sequel.
  • Kiara (voiced by Eden Riegel[1]) – A lioness who is Simba and Nala's daughter, Mufasa's granddaughter, Kion's older sister, the Princess of the Pride Lands and its future queen. Riegel voiced adult Kiara (replacing Neve Campbell, who voiced adult Kiara in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride) in the series finale "Return to the Pride Lands." Riegel also replaces Michelle Horn, who voiced young Kiara in Simba's Pride.
  • Timon (voiced by Kevin Schon[1]) – Simba and Pumbaa's wisecracking meerkat friend.[7] Timon is Bunga's adoptive uncle. Schon, who replaces Nathan Lane, who voiced Timon in the original film and sequel, previously voiced Timon in Timon & Pumbaa.[8]
  • Pumbaa (voiced by Ernie Sabella[1]) – Simba and Timon's warm-hearted warthog friend.[7] Pumbaa is Bunga's other adoptive uncle. Sabella reprises his role from The Lion King and its sequels and spin-offs.
  • Rafiki (voiced by Khary Payton[9]) – A wise old mandrill who serves as a Royal Mjuzi (a Pride Lands word for knowledge keeper and advisor) for the Royal Family of Pride Rock. Payton replaces the late Robert Guillaume, who voiced Rafiki in the original film and sequel.
  • Zazu (voiced by Jeff Bennett[1]) – A hornbill who is Simba's majordomo and supplies news via the Morning Report of the Pride Lands. Bennett replaces Edward Hibbert, who, in turn, replaced Rowan Atkinson as the voice of Zazu in Simba's Pride.
  • Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones in Return of the Roar, reprising his role from The Lion King and its sequels,[1] Gary Anthony Williams in later episodes) – Simba's father and Kion and Kiara's paternal grandfather who was the original king of the Pride Lands and was killed in the original film by a wildebeest stampede orchestrated by his younger brother Scar. Since his death, he lives on as a spirit that gives Kion advice on how to get through any tough plight.
  • Scar (voiced by David Oyelowo[10]) – Simba's deceased uncle, Kion and Kiara's great-uncle and Mufasa's younger brother. In his youth, Scar was the leader of the Lion Guard, gifted with the Roar of the Elders. During his young adulthood, he befriended a rogue lion from the Outlands, who leads him into the jaws of a cobra, who gave him his scar. In anger, Scar used the Roar to kill the lion and snake, however, Mufasa teased his brother and gave him the nickname of Scar, leading to Scar plotting to dethrone Mufasa, before abusing his power by using the Roar to destroy his Guard. In the years that followed the Lion Guard's downfall, Scar plots with the hyenas to rule over the Pride Lands, eventually leading to Mufasa's death, and Simba's exile from the Pride Lands. After being defeated by an older Simba in a vicious fight in the original film, he was mauled to death by the hyenas when he betrayed them by trying to pin the blame of Mufasa's death on them after initially blaming Simba. Following his death, he became a ghost. By the end of The Rise of Scar, Kion unintentionally summons Scar back as a fiery spirit in the Outlands' volcano after he uses the Roar in anger when Janja provokes him. Scar then begins to form plans to take over the Pride Lands and rule it forever. However, by the end of the season 3 premiere "Battle for the Pride Lands," Scar is defeated and sent back to the afterlife by Kion. Oyelowo replaces Jim Cummings, who, in turn, replaced Jeremy Irons as the voice of Scar in Simba's Pride.
  • The Outsiders – A pride of offshoot lions that were loyal to Scar. After Scar's death, Simba banished them from the Pride Lands. In the third season, they reform and join Simba's pride under Kovu and Kiara's future rule.
    • Zira (voiced by Nika Futterman) – A lioness who is the mother of Kovu, Vitani, and Nuka and the leader of the Outsiders. After the death of Scar, Simba banished her and her clan from the Pride Lands. While Kion is on his journey to the Tree of Life, Zira attacks the Pride Lands, only to be defeated by Kiara. Futterman replaces the late Suzanne Pleshette, who voiced Zira in Simba's Pride.
    • Kovu (voiced by Jason Marsden) – A lion who is Zira's youngest son and the younger brother of Nuka and Vitani. Before the series, he briefly befriended (and later fell in love with) Kiara. In "Return to the Pride Lands" Kovu is now Kion's older brother-in-law. Marsden reprises his role from Simba's Pride, and replaces Ryan O'Donohue who voiced Kovu as a cub.
    • Nuka (voiced by Andy Dick) – An adolescent lion who is the oldest son of Zira and the older brother of Kovu and Vitani. Parallel to the third season of the series, Nuka died in the rush to catch Simba. Dick reprises his role from Simba's Pride.
    • Vitani (voiced by Lacey Chabert) – A lioness who is Zira's daughter and the sister of Nuka and Kovu. Years later after she and her pride joined Simba's, Vitani formed her own Lion Guard in Kion's Lion Guard's absence. Chabert, who voiced young Vitani in Simba's Pride, replaces Jennifer Lien, who voiced adult Vitani.

Supporting characters
  • Tiifu (voiced by Sarah Hyland[9] in Return of the Roar season 1 and The Rise of Scar; Bailey Gambertoglio in season 2) – A lioness friend of Kiara and a member of Simba's Pride who is somewhat more sensible than her constant companion Zuri.
  • Zuri (voiced by Madison Pettis[9]) – Another lioness friend of Kiara and a member of Simba's Pride who is somewhat vain and hates getting dirty.
  • Makini (voiced by Landry Bender) – A young mandrill who becomes Rafiki's apprentice. She is one of a few characters who know that Kion speaks to the spirit of Mufasa. In Season 3, she went along with the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life. Following Queen Janna's passing, Makini is made Rani's Royal Mjuzi.
  • Vitani's Lion Guard – A group of lionesses led by Kovu's sister Vitani who is the Fiercest member of her guard who take the role of the Lion Guard during Kion & his Lion Guard's absence, due to their journey to the Tree of Life.
    • Shabaha (voiced by Fiona Riley) – A Bravest member of Vitani's Lion Guard, known for her level of insanity. Her fighting style is similar to Bunga, but whereas Bunga's bravery leaves him dimwitted, Shabaha's makes her slightly unhinged and often laughs maniacally in the midst of a challenge. Her catchphrase is "Bila hofu!".
    • Kasi (voiced by Savannah Smith) – A Fastest member of Vitani's Lion Guard, noted to have Fuli's level of serenity. Though without the advantage of Fuli's cheetah speed, Kasi has more constant stamina as she is a lion and agility in part due to her thin build. Her catchphrase is "Haraka, haraka!".
    • Imara (voiced by Rachel Crow) – A Strongest member of Vitani's Lion Guard, given her tenacity. With a stocky build, she proves nearly as strong as Beshte. Her catchphrase is "Misuli!".
    • Tazama (voiced by Sophie Reynolds) – A Keenest of Sight in Vitani's Lion Guard, as well as a supportive team player. While not able to fly like Anga or Ono, Tazama is capable of seeing in darkness and has some level of Ono's tact. Her catchphrase is "Hiyo kali!".
  • Jasiri's Clan – A clan of friendly hyenas that resides in the Outlands. Unlike Janja's clan, Jasiri and her hyena clan respect the Circle of Life and mostly scavenge for food. When Jasiri learns from Kion that Scar has returned, she and her clan form a hyena resistance to aid the Lion Guard and help defeat Scar. After the season 3 premiere Battle for the Pride Lands, Jasiri and Janja's clan have unified as one and rule the Outlands with Jasiri in charge.
    • Jasiri (voiced by Maia Mitchell[3]) – A hyena living in the Outlands who is the leader of the clan and allies with Kion. In season 2, after learning of Scar's spiritual return to the Outlands, Jasiri forms the Hyena Resistance, consisted of her entire clan in an attempt to overthrow Scar as the leader of the Outlands. In season 3, Jasiri accepts Janja and his clan as members of her cackle and after the defeat and destruction of Scar, Jasiri becomes the leader of the Outlands.
    • Madoa (voiced by Maisie Klompus) – A hyena who is Jasiri's sister and is part of her clan.
    • Tunu (voiced by Crimson Hart) – A hyena cub and brother of Wema who is part of Jasiri's clan.
    • Wema (voiced by Fiona Hart) – A hyena cub and sister of Tunu who is part of Jasiri's clan.
  • Makuu (voiced by Blair Underwood) – A formerly villainous crocodile who is the leader of the crocodile float, reforming from his trouble-making ways.
  • Janja's Clan – A clan of male hyenas that live in the Outlands. Initially, they disrespect the Circle of Life, but after being betrayed and almost killed by Scar, they join forces with Scar's enemies to help destroy him once and for all. After the destruction of Scar and the death of Ushari, Janja and Jasiri's clan merge as one and rule over the Outlands with Jasiri in charge while keeping the other Outlanders in line.
    • Janja (voiced by Andrew Kishino) – Initially a cunning, arrogant, and vicious hyena who is the leader of his all-male clan, later a friendly and loyal hyena.
    • Cheezi (voiced by Vargus Mason) – An excitable hyena who is one of Janja's right-hand henchmen.
    • Chungu (voiced by Kevin Schon) – An unintelligent hyena with a slightly heavier build than the other hyenas who is the other of Janja's right-hand henchmen.
    • Nne (voiced by Beau Black) – A stout but a sly and smart spotted hyena.
    • Tano (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) – A sloping but devious and smart spotted hyena.
  • Mzingo's Flock – A parliament of vultures that live in the Outlands and is allied with Janja's clan and later Jasiri's clan following Scar's defeat.
    • Mzingo (voiced by Greg Ellis) – A calculative vulture who is the leader of the parliament. He sometimes serves as Janja's spy and scout. Later in season 3, he's become reformed as Jasiri's friends and allies.
    • Mwoga (voiced by Cam Clarke) – A foolish and clumsy vulture who is the spy of the parliament.
  • Azaad (voiced by Behzad Dabu) – A prideful cheetah that the Lion Guard encounter in his canyon during their journey to the Tree of Life. He later helped them to the Tree of Life where he visited before and guided them down the fastest route to the Pride Lands where he later meets Simba and Nala. He is also Fuli's love interest.
  • Askari (voiced by Michael Luwoye) – A lion and the leader of the original Lion Guard who was the second-born of the unnamed king and queen and a distant relative of Mufasa, Simba, and Kion. His spirit teaches Kion about how the roar works during Kion's journey to the Tree of Life.
  • Night Pride – a pride of Asiatic lions who protect the Tree of Life.
    • Rani (voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, singing voice by Lana McKissack) – The leader of the Night Pride and Kion's love interest. Following the death of her grandmother, Rani becomes Queen of the Tree of Life. At the end of the series, she marries Kion. Her and the Night Pride's catchphrase is "With strength & respect, Night Pride protect!".
    • Baliyo (voiced by Hudson Yang) – Rani's younger brother. His battle cry is "Ladai".
    • Surak (voiced by Lou Diamond Phillips) – Janna's second-born son and Rani and Baliyo's uncle. His battle cry is Jogina.
    • Nirmala (voiced by Miki Yamashita) – Nirmala is the Night Pride’s healer. She is the one who guides Kion in his recovery process. Her catchphrase is "Aramakaro".
    • Janna (voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo) – The former queen of the Night Pride, mother of Sâhasí and Surak, and grandmother of Rani and Baliyo. She dies of old age in "Long Live the Queen". In "Return to the Pride Lands," her ghost is seen with the ghosts of Mufasa and Askari when Kion marries Rani with his Lion Guard agreeing to help the Night Pride protect the Tree of Life.
  • Binga (voiced by Fiona Riley) - A fun-loving honey badger and Bunga's love interest.

Antagonists
  • Ushari (voiced by Christian Slater) – A short-tempered cobra who used to live in the Pride Lands and would get disturbed whenever the Lion Guard was near him. In the season 2 special The Rise of Scar, Ushari turns to villainy after being trampled by the Lion Guard one too many times and allies with Janja to resurrect Scar and take over the Pride Lands, which succeeds by the end of the special, as later on throughout season 2 and the beginning of season 3, Scar plots to reform his army to take revenge against Simba and Kion. By the end of "Battle for the Pride Lands," he bites Kion, resulting in a scar over Kion's left eye. Shortly after this, Ushari is knocked over by Bunga and falls to his demise in the Outlands' volcano.
  • Reirei's Pack – A family pack of jackals that live in the Outlands.
    • Reirei (voiced by Ana Gasteyer) – A clever, scheming and manipulative jackal who is the matriarch of the family.
    • Goigoi (voiced by Phil LaMarr) – A greedy and dimwitted jackal who is Reirei's mate.
    • Dogo (voiced by Jacob Guenther) – A jackal pup who is one of Reirei and Goigoi's sons; he has blue eyes, while the other pups have brown eyes.
    • Kijana (voiced by Amber Hood) – A jackal pup who is Reirei and Goigoi's daughter and Dogo's sister.
  • Makucha's Leap - A group of leopards who live in the Backlands. After hearing from Makini excitedly talking all about the Tree of Life and the rare animals, Makucha uses that info to sneakily follow the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life so that he, and later his two members, could feast on the rare animals. When they do arrive at the Tree of Life, Makucha and his allies are blown away by the Roar of the Elders.
    • Makucha (voiced by Steve Blum) – A cunning and devious cream-colored leopard from the Backlands who enjoys hunting rare animals. While he has appeared in the episodes of the series before, Makucha becomes the main antagonist of season 3 and makes a new goal, sneakily follow the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life so that he could feast on the rare animals. He gained allies along the way. When he does arrive at the Tree of Life, Makucha and his allies are blown away by the Roar of the Elders.
    • Fahari (voiced by Nolan North) - A cream-colored leopard and a member of Makucha's leap.
    • Jiona (voiced by Ace Gibson) - A cream-colored leopard and a member of Makucha's leap.
  • Kiburi's Float – a group of crocodiles who were former members of Makuu's float who defied Makuu's orders and were exiled for their evil deeds.
    • Kiburi (voiced by Common) – An arrogant crocodile who is the leader of the float.
    • Tamka (voiced by Nolan North) – An overconfident and unintelligent crocodile who is a member of the float.
    • Nduli (voiced by Jorge Diaz) – An optimistic crocodile who is a member of the float.
  • Shupavu's Group – A group of skinks who are friends with Ushari and serve as his spies.
    • Shupavu (voiced by Meghan Strange) – A red skink who is the leader of the group.
    • Njano (voiced by Ford Riley) – A yellow skink with a blue tongue who is second-in-command of the group.
    • Nyeusi (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) – A stealthy black skink who is a member of the group.
    • Waza – An observant blue skink who is a member of the group.
    • Nyata – A swift purple skink who is a member of the group.
  • Kenge (voiced by Kristofer Hivju) – An enormous and ferocious monitor lizard and acquaintance of Ushari who dislikes being called "little" or else it will infuriate him. His venomous bite - to everyone except Bunga - induces temporary paralysis.
  • Chuluun (voiced by Kimiko Glenn) – A cunning and sneaky snow leopard. First encountered by the Lion Guard in the mountains in the episode "Ghost of the Mountain," Chuluun eventually is defeated for the first time as the Lion Guard fights back against her alongside a group of red pandas. After her defeat, she encounters Makucha and joins him to follow the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life.
  • Ora's Bank - A group of Komodo dragons who encountered by the Lion Guard on an island in the episode "Dragon Island", Ora and his two unnamed lackeys is eventually defeated after Kion uses the Roar to escape the island. But little do the Lion Guard know that Ora, and later on, his two lackeys, have survived and joined up with Makucha and Chuluun to follow the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life.
    • Ora (voiced by Andrew Kishino) – A ferocious Komodo dragon who is the leader of his bank.
    • Komodo Dragon (voiced by Ford Riley) - An unnamed Komodo Dragon who is one of Ora's two lackeys.
  • Mama Binturong (voiced by Rachel House) – A sneaky and arrogant binturong crime boss who lives in the stone forest and enjoys eating tuliza until Bunga ruins her tuliza pile with his stink, causing Mama Binturong to chase him down with intention on finishing him. In "The River of Patience" after overhearing & noticing Chuluun's hatred towards Bunga, after she, Ora, & Makucha were defeated by the Lion Guard & the Night Pride, Mama Binturong joins them to assist them in their cause.
  • Smun (voiced by James Sie) - A porcupine who is the leader of his prickle and a servant of Mama Binturong.

Production

The series was announced by Disney on June 9, 2014 on the run-up to the first film's 20th anniversary. Disney Junior general manager Nancy Kanter stated: "It's kind of like The Lion King meets The Avengers."[11] The series' announcement came after a meeting between Kanter and Disney chief executive Robert Iger. Iger suggested to Kanter that Disney Junior should consider producing content to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Lion King in 2014. Disney had shown early footage to young test audiences, who were able to make suggestions, such as adjusting the look of the hyenas.[12] Disney Consumer Products launched a line of toys to tie into the television series, as well at book titles based on the series such as Return of the Roar, Can't-Wait to be Queen, Bunga the Wise, Meet the New Guard, Fuli Finds Her Place, Join the Lion Guard! and Kion's Animal Alphabet.[13] A sneak peek of The Lion Guard was shown at the 2015 D23 Expo.[14] On August 12, 2015, a sneak peek was shown, with new information that the television movie was scheduled to air in November 2015 to be titled The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar.[15] On October 9, 2015, it was announced that Return of the Roar would premiere on November 22, 2015, on Disney Channel.[16]

On coming up with the idea, the series' creator and executive producer Ford Riley noted that at the end of The Lion King we see the presentation of Simba and Nala's newborn cub. In The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, we see that the cub in question is Kiara and that she will be the future queen. Riley was interested in the idea of a second-born cub and what his role would be if Kiara is destined to become queen. Additionally, he was inspired by his 8-year-old son. "Every Thursday, he and his buddies go to the park and they have this imaginary superhero team and they have all these imaginary adventures. That's when it hit me. Let's have a group of superheroes in the Pride Lands– The Avengers meets The Lion King!"[4][17]

Riley confirmed the timeline of the series; in Simba's Pride there is a years-long time gap, The Lion Guard takes place during the years in-between Kiara's first meeting with Kovu as a cub and her first hunt as an adult.[4] Riley also noted the inclusion of Swahili into the series; "[W]e’ve actually hired Sarah Mirza, who literally wrote the book on English-Swahili translations. We’ve been using Swahili not just in names of characters and places but also in the language of the show itself."[4]

Classic mythology is used as inspiration for the show. Riley stated "We want it to feel epic and so we're trying to draw from as many epics in classical literature and classical television in addition to (The Lion King) itself." Riley noted that protecting the Circle of Life is the main theme of the series; "The animals who respect it don't eat too much, allow for the grass to grow, and larger animals to eat smaller animals. Our bad guys come from those that don't respect the Circle of Life. They just want to eat and wreak havoc."[17]

In terms of giving The Lion Guard the same look as the original film, director Howy Parkins stated that they were mindful to keep the essence of The Lion King. To that end, the crew did extensive research on the look of the backgrounds and characters and were able to obtain some original model sheets. In addition, Barry Atkinson and Mike Surrey, background painter and supervising animator for Timon on the original film respectively, were brought in to consult with the series' background artists, animators and storyboard artists.[18]

Speaking on the show's educational aspect, Parkins stated that research was done on animals and habitats in the Serengeti, and that this information is woven into storylines without being overt.[18]

Spin-off

A short-form series called It's UnBungalievable starring Bunga and Ono was produced by Disneynature and premiered on Disney Junior on January 9, 2016. In the series, Bunga and Ono pick two animals to compete in contests such as "Who's Quicker?" "Who Has Better Hair?" and "Who's Hungrier?" The series features live-action animal footage provided by Disneynature.[19]

# Episode
1 Who's Quicker?
2 Who's Mightier?
3 Who Has Better Hair?
4 Who's Hungrier?
5 Who's the Better Babysitter?
6 Who's Cuter?
7 Who's Sillier?
8 Who's Louder?
9 Who's Brainier?
10 Who's a Better Flyer?

Broadcast

Like its American counterpart, Return of the Roar premiered on November 22, 2015 on Disney Channel in Canada, while the series premiered on January 17, 2016 on Disney Junior, two days after its American premiere.[20][21] In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Return of the Roar premiered on Disney Junior on February 8, 2016, while the series premiered on April 13, 2016.[22][23] In Australia and New Zealand, the pilot debuted on February 6, 2016 and the series began airing on February 28, 2016 on Disney Junior.[24] In Southeast Asia, the pilot premiered on March 20, 2016 on Disney Channel (April 11 on Disney Junior) and the series itself on April 17 on the Disney Junior block on Disney Channel.[25][26]

Home media

DVD releases

Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Title Release Date Episodes Additional Features
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar[27] February 23, 2016 Television movie Music video of Beau Black performing "Here Comes the Lion Guard."

Talking Lion Guard Backpack Clip

The Lion Guard: Unleash the Power[28] September 20, 2016
  • "Fuli's New Family" (Season 1, Episode 7)
  • "Bunga the Wise" (Season 1, Episode 3)
  • "Eye of the Beholder" (Season 1, Episode 5)
  • "Follow That Hippo!" (Season 1, Episode 9)
  • "The Search for Utamu" (Season 1, Episode 8)
  • "Never Judge a Hyena by Its Spots" (Season 1, Episode 1)

Lion Guard Power Necklace

The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands[29] January 10, 2017
  • "The Rise of Makuu" (Season 1, Episode 2)
  • "The Kupatana Celebration" (Season 1, Episode 6)
  • "Bunga and the King" (Season 1, Episode 13)
  • "Never Roar Again" (Season 1, Episode 21)
  • "The Imaginary Okapi" (Season 1, Episode 14)
 Music videos: "A Trail to Hope", "Teke Ruka Teleza"

It's UnBungalievable shorts

Five Lion Guard Wristbands

The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar[30] January 9, 2018
  • "The Rise of Scar" (Season 2, Episode 5/Television movie)
  • "The Trouble With Galagos" (Season 1, Episode 16)
  • "Janja's New Crew" (Season 1, Episode 17)
  • "Baboons!" (Season 1, Episode 18)
  • "Lions of the Outlands" (Season 1, Episode 20)

Soundtracks
The Lion Guard (Music from the TV Series)
Soundtrack album by
Various artists
ReleasedJanuary 8, 2016
GenreChildren, Pop, Pop rock, World, Soundtrack
Length34:43
LabelWalt Disney
The Lion Guard (Music from the TV Series)[31]
No.TitlePerformer(s)Length
1."Call of the Guard (The Lion Guard Theme)"The Lion Guard Chorus1:03
2."A Beautiful Day (Ni Siku Nzuri)"Beau Black2:16
3."Zuka Zama"Bunga1:57
4."Tonight We Strike"Janja, Mzingo & Hyenas1:56
5."Kion's Lament"Kion3:24
6."Here Comes the Lion Guard"Beau Black2:28
7."We're the Same (Sisi Ni Sawa)"Kion & Jasiri2:33
8."Outta the Way"Janja, Cheezi & Chungu2:00
9."Duties of the King"Simba & Zazu2:01
10."Bunga the Wise"Timon, Pumbaa & Bunga1:41
11."My Own Way"Fuli2:18
12."Jackal Style"Reirei2:10
13."Panic and Run"Janja, Cheezi, & Chungu1:34
14."It Is Time"Beau Black3:01
15."Call of the Guard (Full Version)"The Lion Guard Chorus4:21
Total length:34:43

A second soundtrack release entitled The Lion Guard: Disney Junior Music was released digitally on September 1, 2017.

Reception

Max Nicholson from IGN gives the pilot episode score of 7.7, describing the special as "a fun-filled, if younger-skewing, hour television." He praised the pilot for introducing more of the Lion King lore, and also the animation, music, and performance of the new voice actors. However, he found Janja and his clan lacked the appeal to make a compelling villain.[32]

Ed Power of The Daily Telegraph scored the pilot two stars out of five, labeling it a "Soggy, Sentimental throwback."[33]

Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media gives the series four out of five stars, stating "With its strong messages about courage, responsibility, and friendship, this series is a fun pick for kids, and parents who watch with their kids will enjoy seeing the original The Lion King gang -- including Timon, Pumbaa, and the eccentric Rafiki -- in cameos throughout the series."[34]

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2017 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Original Song Beau Black, Sarah Mirza, Ford Riley, Kevin Hopps for "Sisi Ni Sawa” Nominated [35]
2020 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Original Song Beau Black, Ford Riley, Jennifer Skelly for "As You Move Forward” Nominated [36]

References
  1. "Lion King spinoff voice cast includes Rob Lowe, Gabrielle Union, James Earl Jones, and more - EW.com". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com.
  2. "Disney's The Lion King to Continue with The Lion Guard". ComingSoon.net.
  3. Wagmeister, Elizabeth (December 9, 2015). "Disney's 'Lion King' Revival Series 'The Lion Guard' to Premiere in January". Variety. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  4. Brett, Susan (February 8, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Disney's The Lion Guard creator Ford Riley talks new Lion King sequel". TVdaily.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  5. Disney Junior [@disneyjunior] (July 18, 2019). "The #CircleofLife continues! Join the #LionGuard as they start their journey to the Tree of Life on August 3 at 9a on Disney Junior. #LionKing pic.twitter.com/sWbunHh9e1" (Tweet). Retrieved October 11, 2019 – via Twitter.
  6. Disney Junior [@disneyjunior] (July 31, 2019). "There's a battle coming to the Pride Lands that will change the #LionGuard forever! The Season 3 premiere of #TheLionGuard airs this Saturday, 8/3 at 9a on #DisneyJunior! And the premiere + 8 new episodes of Season 3 will be available to watch in #DisneyNOW on 8/3 as well! pic.twitter.com/NpbjaLTUaB" (Tweet). Retrieved October 11, 2019 – via Twitter.
  7. "Lion King spin-off The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar sneak peek". Entertainment Weekly.
  8. McCarthy, Tyler (August 12, 2015). "'Lion King' Sequel Series 'The Lion Guard' To Debut On Disney With Several Original Characters Recast". International Business Times. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  9. Beck, Jerry (August 12, 2015). "FIRST LOOK: Disney Channel's "The Lion Guard"". Animation Scoop. Indiewire. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  10. "David Oyelowo to Play Scar in 'The Lion Guard'". Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  11. "The Lion King Getting Sequel TV Series, The Lion Guard, On Disney Junior". E! Online.
  12. Fritz, Ben (June 9, 2014). "Disney Junior Plans Preschool Series Based on 'The Lion King' (Exclusive)". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  13. "Catalog Overview". abovethetreeline.com.
  14. "Disney Channel, Disney XD & Disney Junior Stars Set for 2015 D23 EXPO". Broadway World. June 11, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  15. Steinberg, Brian (August 12, 2015). "Disney to Revive 'Lion King' With 'Lion Guard' TV Series". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  16. Beck, Jerry (October 9, 2015). "Disney's "The Lion Guard: Return Of The Roar" Set For Nov. 22 Debut". Animation Scoop. Indiewire. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  17. Kelley, Shamus (December 12, 2017). "How Does A Disney Junior Show Tell Compelling Stories?". denofgeek.com. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  18. Dickson, Jeremy (November 12, 2015). "The Lion Guard director dishes on how Disney re-animated a classic". kidscreen.com. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  19. Dickson, Jeremy (January 8, 2015). "Disney's The Lion Guard gets short-form spinoff". kidscreen.com. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  20. "Disney's The Lion Guard: Return Of The Roar Primetime Television Movie Event Premieres Sunday, November 22 on Disney Channel" (Press release). Toronto: Corus Entertainment. October 9, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
  21. "Disney Junior's The Lion Guard, an Animated Series Featuring the Adventures of Kion — Simba and Nala's Second-Born Cub Debuts Sunday, January 17 at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT" (Press release). Toronto: Corus Entertainment. December 10, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  22. "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar". TV Guide UK. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  23. "The Lion Guard debuts 13th April 2016 on Disney Junior". Primary Times. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  24. "The Lion Guard: the circle of life continues". Foxtel Insider. Foxtel. February 4, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  25. "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar". Disney Southeast Asia. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  26. "The Lion Guard: Series Premiere". Disney Southeast Asia. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  27. "' The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar' on DVD with Exclusive Gift on February 23 – Stitch Kingdom". Stitch Kingdom.
  28. Lambert, David (June 10, 2016). "The Lion Guard – 'Unleash The Power': Disney's Press Release for the First DVD!". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  29. "The Lion Guard – Life in the Pride Lands on Disney DVD January 10th". dapsmagic.com. November 2, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  30. Snook, Jay (January 8, 2018). "A Dangerous Foe Returns on 'The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar'". goodmenproject.com. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  31. "The Lion Guard (Music from the TV Series) by Various Artists". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  32. Nicholson, Max (17 December 2015). "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar Review". IGN. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  33. Power, Ed (8 February 2016). "The Lion Guard: Return of the Raw is a soggy, sentimental throwback - review". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  34. Ashby, Emily. "The Lion Guard TV review". commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  35. "THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES NOMINATIONS FOR THE 44th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS" (PDF). emmyonline.org.
  36. "THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES NOMINATIONS FOR THE 47th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS". deadline.com.
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