The Lion Guard

The Lion Guard is an upcoming American animated television series that will premiere with a one-hour movie in November 2015 followed by a television series on Disney Junior in January 2016. It will feature Kion, the son of Simba.

Premise
The Lion Guard follows Simba's son, Kion, as he assembles a group of animals to protect the Pride Lands known as the Lion Guard. Disney Junior general manager Nancy Kanter has described the series as being "kind of like The Lion King meets The Avengers."

Characters

 * Kion - the young son of Simba and Nala who assembles a group of animals to protect the Pride Lands


 * Simba - the king of the Pride Lands, and the father of Kion and Kiara


 * Nala - the queen of the Pride Lands, and the mother of Kion and Kiara


 * Kiara - the future queen of the Pride Lands, and the older sister of Kion


 * Rafiki - the adviser of the Pride Lands


 * Zazu - the majordomo of the Pride Lands


 * Timon - a meerkat who is the childhood friend of Simba


 * Pumbaa - a warthog who is the childhood friend of Simba


 * Bunga - a honey badger who is part of the Lion Guard


 * Fuli - a cheetah who is part of the Lion Guard


 * Beshte - a hippo who is part of the Lion Guard


 * Ono - an egret who is part of the Lion Guard

Development
The series' announcement came after a meeting between Disney Junior general manager Nancy 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 has shown early footage to young test audiences, who were able to make suggestions, such as adjusting the look of the hyenas. Disney Consumer Products is to launch a line of toys to tie into the television series.