Jump to content

The Lion Guard: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 393: Line 393:
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 20
|EpisodeNumber = 20
|Title = Lions of the Outlands
|Title = Never Roar Again
|RTitle = <ref name="Zap">{{cite web|url=http://tvschedule.zap2it.com/tv/the-lion-guard/episode-guide/EP02316219?aid=tvschedule|title=The Lion Guard: Episode Guide|work=Zap2It|accessdate=August 20, 2016}}</ref>
|RTitle = <ref name="Zap">{{cite web|url=http://tvschedule.zap2it.com/tv/the-lion-guard/episode-guide/EP02316219?aid=tvschedule|title=The Lion Guard: Episode Guide|work=Zap2It|accessdate=August 20, 2016}}</ref>
|DirectedBy =
|DirectedBy =
|WrittenBy =
|WrittenBy =
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|11|11}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|11|25}}
|ProdCode = 123
|ProdCode = 123
|Viewers =
|Viewers =
|ShortSummary = <! Bunga is Getting Married
|ShortSummary = <!---Do not add descriptions from Zap2It or other TV guide sites, that is a violation of [[WP:COPYVIO]]. They must be written in your own words.--->
|LineColor = FFA500
|LineColor = FFA500
}}
}}

Revision as of 00:13, 23 October 2016

The Lion Guard
GenreAdventure
Children's adventure
Developed byFord Riley
Directed byHowy Parkins
Voices of
Opening theme"Call of the Guard" performed by The Lion Guard Chorus
Ending theme"Here Comes the Lion Guard" performed by Beau Black
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes19 (+ 1 pilot) (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerFord Riley
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseNovember 22, 2015 (2015-11-22) –
present (present)

The Lion Guard is an American animated television series developed by Ford Riley[3] based on Disney's 1994 film The Lion King. The series was first broadcast with a television movie, titled The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar on Disney Channel on November 22, 2015[4] and began airing as a TV series on January 15, 2016 on Disney Junior and Disney Channel.[5] It is the second television series to be based on The Lion King, the first being Timon & Pumbaa (1995–1999). The Lion Guard is a sequel to The Lion King and a midquel to its 1998 sequel, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.[6]

In March 2016, it was announced that the series has been renewed for a second season.[7]

Plot

The series centers around Kion, the son of King Simba and Queen Nala, the younger brother of Kiara and the prince of the Pride Lands, who, as second-born to the Lion King, becomes the leader of the Lion Guard, a team of animals who protect the Pride Lands and defend the Circle of Life. Kion, along with his friends Bunga the honey badger, Beshte the hippopotamus, Fuli the cheetah and Ono the egret, fights off threats mostly by a hyena named Janja and his clan.

Characters

Main article: List of characters in The Lion King

Main

  • Kion (voiced by Max Charles):[1] A lion cub who is Simba and Nala's son, Mufasa's grandson, Kiara's younger brother, Prince of the Pride Lands, the fiercest member and leader of the Lion Guard. He serves as the main protagonist of the series.
  • Bunga (voiced by Joshua Rush):[1] Kion's honey badger best friend and the bravest member of the Lion Guard. Bunga is Timon and Pumbaa's adoptive nephew.[8]
  • Beshte (voiced by Dusan Brown):[1] Kion's hippopotamus friend and the strongest member of the Lion Guard.
  • Fuli (voiced by Diamond White):[1] Kion's King cheetah friend and the fastest member of the Lion Guard.
  • Ono (voiced by Atticus Shaffer):[1] Kion's cattle egret friend and the keenest of sight of the Lion Guard.

Alumni

The following characters from The Lion King movies appear in this series:

  • Simba (voiced by Rob Lowe):[1] A lion who is Mufasa's son, Nala's mate and Kion and Kiara's father who is the King of the Pride Lands. He and Bunga share a history of having lived with Timon and Pumbaa.[9]
  • Nala (voiced by Gabrielle Union):[1] A lioness who is Simba's mate and Kion and Kiara's mother who is the Queen of the Pride Lands.[9]
  • Kiara (voiced by Eden Riegel):[1] A lion cub who is Simba and Nala's daughter, Mufasa's granddaughter, Kion's older sister, and Princess of the Pride Lands.
  • Timon (voiced by Kevin Schon):[1] Simba and Pumbaa's wisecracking meerkat friend.[8] Timon is Bunga's adoptive uncle. Schon previously voiced Timon in Timon & Pumbaa.[9]
  • Pumbaa (voiced by Ernie Sabella):[1] Simba and Timon's warmhearted common warthog friend.[8] Pumbaa is Bunga's adoptive uncle. Sabella reprises his role from the original film and its spin-offs.
  • Rafiki (voiced by Khary Payton):[10] A wise old mandrill who serves as a shaman for the lions of Pride Rock.[9]
  • Zazu (voiced by Jeff Bennett):[1] Simba's majordomo Red-billed hornbill who supplies news via the morning report of the Pride Lands.
  • Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones in Return of the Roar, Gary Anthony Williams in later episodes):[1] Simba's father and Kion and Kiara's grandfather who was killed in the original film by a wildebeest stampede orchestrated by his brother Scar. Since his death, he lives on as a spirit that gives Kion advice on how to get through any tough plight.

According to a December 2015 article from Variety, the following characters from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride are scheduled to make an appearance in a future episode of the series:

  • Kovu (voiced by Jason Marsden):[5] A lion who is the chosen successor of Scar, Zira's son, Kiara's friend and future mate, Simba's future son-in-law, Kion's future brother-in-law, and younger brother of Nuka and Vitani. Marsden reprises his role from Simba's Pride.
  • Nuka (voiced by Andy Dick):[5] A black-maned lion who is the eldest son of Zira and the older brother of Kovu and Vitani. Dick reprises his role from Simba's Pride.
  • Vitani (voiced by Lacey Chabert):[5] Zira's daughter and the sister of Nuka and Kovu. Chabert reprises her role from Simba's Pride.

Recurring

  • Tiifu (voiced by Sarah Hyland):[10] A lioness friend of Kiara's.
  • Zuri (voiced by Madison Pettis):[10] Another lioness friend of Kiara's.
  • Jasiri (voiced by Maia Mitchell):[5] A friendly female spotted hyena living in the Outlands who allies with Kion. Unlike Janja's group, Jasiri respects the Circle of Life and mostly scavenges for food.
  • Pua (voiced by Gerald C. Rivers): The former leader of the local "float"[11] of Nile crocodiles. He was succeeded by Makuu upon being defeated by him where the result of the fight has the loser leaving the crocodile float.
  • Basi (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson): A hippopotamus who is Beshte's father and leader of the Pride Lands' hippopotamus pod.
  • Ushari (voiced by Christian Slater): An Egyptian cobra who often conflicts with Bunga.
  • Thurston (voiced by Kevin Schon): A handsome yet scatterbrained plains zebra who is the leader of a herd of zebras.
  • Mbeya (voiced by Howy Parkins): A old black rhinoceros.
  • Hyrax (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker): The southern tree hyrax who repeatedly got herself into unfortunate situations of a minor nature, mandating assistance from the Lion Guard members.
  • Porcupine Brothers (voiced by Phil LaMarr and Cam Clarke): Two little Crested porcupine whose log is turned to the right position by Kion and his Guard following the rainstorm.
  • Shingo (voiced by Phil LaMarr): A Masai giraffe.
  • Ma Tembo (voiced by Lynette DuPree): An African bush elephant who is Amanifu's daughter.
  • Twiga (voiced by Alex Cartana): A Masai giraffe.
  • Mbuni (voiced by Kari Wahlgren): A cheerful ostrich.
  • Muhanga (voiced by Russi Taylor): An aardvark.
  • Muhangus (voiced by Khary Payton): An aardvark who is Muhanga's mate.
  • Mtoto (voiced by Justin Felbinger): An young African bush elephant calf.
  • Kambuni (voiced by Mckenna Grace): A young ostrich chick.
  • Shauku (voiced by Jacob Guenther): A young banded mongoose pup.
  • Kwato (voiced by Lyons Luke Mathias): A young plains zebra foal.
  • Gumba (voiced by Jacquez Swanigan): A young olive baboon.
  • Tamaa (voiced by CJ Byrnes): A drongo bird who can imitate the voice of any animal.
  • Muhimu (voiced by Kari Wahlgren in the US, Emma Bunton in the UK[12]): A plains zebra who is the leader of a herd of zebras that the Lion Guard leads to Mbali Fields. She later gave birth to a baby zebra who helps the Lion Guard fend off the Outlander Hyenas.
  • Swala (voiced by Tunisia Hardison): A Thomson's gazelle who is the leader of a herd of gazelles that the Lion Guard leads to Mbali Fields.
  • Ajabu (voiced by Ron Funches): An okapi who travels to the Pride Lands to get away from Makucha.
  • Aardwolves: A pack of aardwolves that live in the Pride Lands and only come out at night. The Lion Guard accidentally mistook them for Outlander Hyenas until Kion cleared things up and fended off Reirei and Goigoi. The aardwolves are known for keeping the termite population down.
  • Laini: (voiced by Meghan Strange): A galago who amongst her fellow galagos had their tree invaded by Badilli.
  • Badilli (voiced by Jack McBrayer): A friendly cream-colored African leopard from Mirihi Forest who was driven out of his territory by Mapigano.
  • Vuruga Vuruga (voiced by Virginia Watson): A cape buffalo who is the leader of a herd of African buffalos. Kiara presided over their Royal Buffalo Wallow.

Antagonists

  • Outlander Hyenas: A group of spotted hyenas that live in the Outlands and don't follow the Circle of Life.
    • Janja (voiced by Andrew Kishino):[10] A cunning spotted hyena who is the leader of the Outlanders and the main antagonist of the series.
    • Cheezi (voiced by Vargus Mason):[10] A crazy spotted hyena.
    • Chungu (voiced by Kevin Schon):[10] A spotted hyena with a slightly heavier build than the other hyenas.
    • Nne (voiced by Beau Black): A cunning and stout spotted hyena.
    • Tano (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker): A devious and sloping spotted hyena.
  • Mzingo (voiced by Greg Ellis):[10] A Rüppell's vulture who serves as Janja's spy and scout. He is the leader of a flock of vultures that is allied with the Outlander Hyenas.
    • Mwoga (voiced by Cam Clarke): A foolish, sneaky, and devious Rüppell's vulture who is a member of Mzingo's flock.
  • Makuu (voiced by Blair Underwood):[5] The new leader of the Nile crocodile float after he defeated Pua.
  • Reirei (voiced by Ana Gasteyer):[5] A clever and scheming black-backed jackal from the Outlands who wreaks havoc in the Pride Lands.
    • Goigoi (voiced by Phil LaMarr): A greedy and dimwitted black-backed jackal who is Reirei's husband.
    • Dogo (voiced by Jacob Guenther): A little black-backed jackal pup who is one of Reirei's sons. Dogo has blue eyes compared to the other pups with brown eyes.
  • Makucha (voiced by Steven Blum): A cream-colored African leopard who tracks Ajabu to the Pride Lands since he considers okapis to be rare creatures.
  • Mapigano (voiced by Jorge Diaz): A cream-colored African leopard who bullied Badilli upon invading his territory in Mirihi Forest.

Episodes

Pilot (2015)

TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
"The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar"Howy ParkinsFord RileyNovember 22, 2015 (2015-11-22)5.36[13]

Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, discovers that he has the ability to channel the roars of his ancestors, giving him great power, just like his great uncle Scar, who had the same power before him, but who tragically misused it. At the instructions of Simba and Rafiki, he forms a team called the Lion Guard to stop a group of hyenas, led by Janja. As Kion chooses his non-lion friends, Bunga the honey badger, Ono the egret, Beshte the hippopotamus and Fuli the cheetah, to populate it, Simba scolds him for not taking his new responsibilities seriously but when they save Kion's sister Kiara from a herd of stampeding gazelle and defeat Janja and the hyenas, Simba realizes that Kion has protected the Pride Lands and is indeed ready to lead his new Lion Guard.

Songs: "A Beautiful Day" sung by The Lion Guard chorus, "Zuka Zama" sung by Bunga, "Tonight We Strike" sung by Janja, Mzingo and the Hyenas, and "Kion's Lament" sung by Kion

Season 1 (2016)

The first season will consist of 24 episodes.[14]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code [15]		U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Never Judge a Hyena by Its Spots"Howy ParkinsKevin Hopps, John Loy, Ford RileyJanuary 15, 2016 (2016-01-15)1051.28[16]

When Kion winds up in the Outlands, he meets Jasiri, a friendly hyena who guides him to Flat Ridge Rock to regroup with the rest of his Lion Guard. As Kion and Jasiri travel to Flat Ridge Rock while trying to evade Janja's clan, the rest of the Lion Guard struggle to find directions to Flat Ridge Rock.

Song: "Sisi Ni Sawa" sung by Kion and Jasiri
2"The Rise of Makuu"Howy ParkinsFord RileyJanuary 15, 2016 (2016-01-15)1031.28[16]

When Makuu wins a duel against Pua and becomes the leader of the crocodile float and invades hippo territory, chaos ensues for the Pride Lands. Kion is torn between fighting and surrendering and struggles to find a middle path to stand his ground to resolve the situation.

Song: "Don't Make a Stink!" sung by Ono, Timon, Pumbaa and Bunga
3"Bunga the Wise"Howy ParkinsJohn LoyJanuary 22, 2016 (2016-01-22)1041.48[17]

Due to a misunderstanding with Rafiki about the wisdom of honey badgers following Bunga averting a flood, the animals of the Pride Lands begin to think that Bunga is the wisest animal there is, but when his advice begins to cause more harm than good, Kion and the others must find some way to stop Bunga before it's too late.

Song: "Bunga the Wise" sung by Timon, Pumbaa and Bunga
4"Can't Wait to Be Queen"Howy ParkinsJack Monaco, John Loy, Ford RileyJanuary 29, 2016 (2016-01-29)1061.46[18]

Simba leaves Kiara in charge of the Pride Lands while he goes to say goodbye to an old elephant friend named Amanifu who has just died. Upon learning of this from Mzingo, Janja decides to take advantage of Kiara's inexperience and comes up with a plan to take over the Pride Lands.

Song: "Duties of the King" sung by Zazu and Simba
5"Eye of the Beholder"Howy ParkinsJack Monaco, John Loy, Ford RileyFebruary 5, 2016 (2016-02-05)1071.42[19]

While helping the Lion Guard driving away Janja's clan following their attempted attack on a wildebeest herd, Ono temporarily loses his vision in his left eye when he gets dirt in it. When Janja overhears the news from the vultures, he plans to take advantage of this. Meanwhile, Rafiki works on his paintings of the Lion Guard.

Song: "Outta the Way" sung by Janja, Cheezi and Chungu
6"The Kupatana Celebration"Howy ParkinsElise Allen, John Loy, Ford RileyFebruary 12, 2016 (2016-02-12)1081.77[20]

During a celebrated holiday in the Pride Lands, Kion and his friends rescue a jackal pup from Janja but soon discover that he is in a family of jackals and the matriarch, Reirei, manages to fool Kion into letting them stay.

Songs: "Kupatana Community" sung by Twiga, Basi, Mbuni, An Elephant and Muhanga the Aardvark, and "Jackal Style" sung by Reirei
7"Fuli's New Family"Howy ParkinsElise Allen, John Loy, Ford RileyFebruary 19, 2016 (2016-02-19)1091.50[21]

The gang feels as though that Fuli has no family and invite her to join their individual activities, oblivious to the fact that she enjoys being alone. Meanwhile, Bunga lets immunity go to his head after being told that he is immune to Ushari's venom.

Song: "My Own Way" sung by Fuli
8"The Search for Utamu"Howy ParkinsElise Allen, John Loy, Ford RileyFebruary 26, 2016 (2016-02-26)1101.26[22]

Bunga, Kion, Ono and Beshte search for Utamu grubs. On the way, Bunga tells the story of how he met Timon and Pumbaa. Meanwhile, Fuli goes on a mission alone and overexerts herself, leaving her vulnerable to an attack by Mzingo's flock.

Songs: "Utamu" sung by Bunga, Timon and Pumbaa, "All Hail the Vultures" sung by Mzingo and the vultures
9"Follow That Hippo!"Howy ParkinsJohn LoyMarch 18, 2016 (2016-03-18)1111.19[23]

A young elephant named Mtoto idolizes Beshte and soon sees him in action when both of them are attacked by the hyenas.

Song: "Hero Inside" sung by Beshte
10"The Call of the Drongo"Howy ParkinsStory by : Elise Allen
Teleplay by : Kevin Hopps		March 25, 2016 (2016-03-25)1121.97[24]

Tamaa the drongo bird uses his talent to imitate the voice of any animal to gain food from others, but soon finds himself forced by the hyenas to help them trap a herd of impalas.

Song: "Bird of a Thousand Voices" sung by Tamaa
11"Paintings and Predictions"Howy ParkinsStory by : Elise Allen
Teleplay by : Kevin Hopps		April 1, 2016 (2016-04-01)1131.42[25]

Bunga thinks that Rafiki's paintings can predict the future and believes that Kion will fall from a high tree. Soon, he and the rest of the guard desperately try to keep Kion from climbing trees. Meanwhile, Janja, Cheezi and Chungu plan an attack on the zebra herd.

Song: "Panic and Run" sung by Janja, Cheezi and Chungu
12"The Mbali Fields Migration"Howy ParkinsElise Allen, John Loy, Ford RileyApril 22, 2016 (2016-04-22)1141.38[26]

Under the suggestion of Simba, the Lion Guard leads a herd of zebras led by Muhimu and a herd of gazelles led by Swala to a new grazing ground located at the edge of the Pride Lands in Mbali Fields. One of their obstacles to get to Mbali Fields is the Outlands as the Lion Guard works to keep both herds safe from Janja's group.

Song: "A Trail to Hope" sung by The Lion Guard chorus
13"Bunga and the King"Howy ParkinsJack MonacoApril 29, 2016 (2016-04-29)1151.53 [27]

When Simba and Bunga get trapped in a sinkhole, it's up to the Lion Guard to save them. Meanwhile, Simba and Bunga realize that being raised by Timon and Pumbaa is something that they have in common.

Song: "Hakuna Matata" sung by Simba, Kion, Nala, Kiara, Timon, Pumbaa, and The Lion Guard
14"The Imaginary Okapi"Howy ParkinsJohn LoyJuly 8, 2016 (2016-07-08)1171.37 [28]

Beshte makes friends with a timid okapi named Ajabu who has traveled to the Pride Lands to get away from Makucha the leopard, but the guard thinks that Ajabu is imaginary due to his tendency to hide from others. When Makucha shows up in the Pride Lands however, the guard soon realizes that Beshte's new friend is real.

Song: "Life in the Pridelands" sung by Beshte and Ajabu
15"Too Many Termites"Howy ParkinsElise AllenJuly 15, 2016 (2016-07-15)118N/A

The Lion Guard accidentally chases a pack of aardwolves out of the Pride Lands, assuming them to be part of the Outlander Hyenas, which leads to a massive termite infestation. The Lion Guard soon realizes their mistake and travel to the Outlands to bring the aardwolves back. However, Reirei and Goigoi have their sights on the aardwolves as well.

Song: "We'll Make You A Meal" sung by Reirei, Goigoi, and the aardwolves
16"The Trouble With Galagos"Howy ParkinsElise AllenAugust 5, 2016 (2016-08-05)1191.21 [29]

The Lion Guard discovers from the galagos that a leopard named Badilli has moved into their tree. They find out that Badilli has been driven out of his home by the mean leopard Mapigano who has taken over his territory in Mirihi Forest. The guard teaches Badilli to stand up to Mapigano and reclaim his territory.

Song: "Find Your Roar" sung by The Lion Guard chorus
17"Janja's New Crew"Howy ParkinsKevin HoppsAugust 26, 2016 (2016-08-26)1201.40 [30]

Janja "fires" Cheezi and Chungu and promotes Nne and Tano to be his seconds-in-command. While the Lion Guard makes sure that the Pride Lands' trails are safe after a big rainstorm, they find Cheezi and Chungu and reluctantly let them stay. Meanwhile, Nne and Tano plan an attack on an oryx herd.

Song: "Chungu's Lament" sung by Chungu
18"Baboons!"Howy ParkinsKevin Hopps, Jack MonacoSeptember 23, 2016 (2016-09-23)1211.32 [31]

The Lion Guard rescues a baby baboon and Fuli is tasked with returning the baboon to its mother while avoiding Mzingo's flock. Meanwhile, Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri get trapped on an island after a flood. The Lion Guard helps rescue them in time for Kiara to preside over the cape buffalo herd's Royal Buffalo Wallow.

Song: "Baboons" sung by Fuli
19"Beware the Zimwi"Howy ParkinsJack MonacoOctober 14, 2016 (2016-10-14)1221.27 [32]

Rafiki tells a story to the Lion Guard and some young animals about a terrifying beast called the Zimwi. Kion doesn't believe that such a creature exists, but when Mtoto and his friends claim to have seen it, the guard searches the Pride Lands to find out the truth. Soon, even Kion has to admit that the Zimwi may really exist.

Song: "Beware the Zimwi" sung by Rafiki
20"Never Roar Again"[33]UnknownUnknownNovember 25, 2016 (2016-11-25)123N/A
<! Bunga is Getting Married

Development

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."[34] 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.[35] 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.[36] A sneak peek of The Lion Guard was shown at the 2015 D23 Expo.[37] 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.[38] On October 9, 2015, it was confirmed that Return of the Roar would premiere on November 22, 2015 on Disney Channel.[4]

On coming up with the idea, the series' creator Ford Riley stated that at the end of The Lion King "[W]e see Simba and Nala as king and queen and Rafiki’s holding up the cub. In Lion King 2, [we learn] that is Kiara the cub and she’s going to grow up to become queen. I’ve got two kids, and usually stories are about the oldest child or an only child. I was really interested in a second born cub. What would his role be if Kiara’s gonna grow up to be queen? Riley explained that 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!"[6]

When asked where the show fits into the timeline, Riley explained that in The Lion King 2; "Kiara meets Kovu and they get into trouble. The very next scene, Kiara is fully grown and off on her first hunt. Clearly there’s a few years gap in there, so we’re filling that gap with The Lion Guard. When choosing the members of the team, Riley stated "The qualities came first. If we’re going to have this superhero team, we want them to be fierce and brave and strong and fast and keen of sight. Those are the qualities of our five animals in the Lion Guard... [O]bviously the lion is going to be the fiercest. The bravest is the honey badger, hippo the strongest, cheetah the fastest, and the egret – egrets have sort of binocular vision which gives them depth perception which most birds who have eyes on either side of their head don’t, so Ono our egret is the keenest of sight. They’re the best of the best within the Pride Lands."[6]

Riley also noted the inclusion of Swahili into the series; "[I]t’s one of those things that struck me about The Lion King that there’s all these Swahili phrases. ‘Simba’ means ‘lion’ in Swahili and ‘Pumbaa’ means ‘warthog’ in Swahili. I wanted to have that element in the series as well, so we’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. Like ‘Zuka zama’ which is Bunga’s catchphrase and ‘Sisi Ni Sawa’ song. All of the characters have catchphrases which mean real things in Swahili."[6]

In terms of giving The Lion Guard the same look as the original film, director Howy Parkins stated: "[W]e were very mindful to hold the essence of The Lion King, through the look of the background environments to the actual characters. We did extensive research and were also able to obtain some original model sheets. We want people to tune into the movie premiere and feel comfortable, like they are back in the world of The Lion King... The challenge with The Lion Guard was capturing the stunning beauty and look of The Lion King, so when one of my friends, Barry Atkinson, who worked on The Lion King as a background painter, became available, we brought him in. He shared a lot of insight when it came time to look at examples that the new backgrounds artists had done. Then another friend of mine, Mike Surrey, came in to talk to the animators and the storyboard artists. He was the animation supervising director on Timon on The Lion King. So we've pulled in some favors."[39]

Speaking on the show's educational aspect and tone, Parkins said: "We have multiple characters and stories to tell, so we've used the Circle of Life as sort of a nice story arc to the entire series as well as the feature. For the research we've done, we've been able to take facts about the animals in the Serengeti and some of the habitat information and either work them into the stories or create entire stories based on an actual fact. Without being overly educational, we are very educational. It's been a fun thing to run with through the entire storytelling process... [W]e have to be mindful of the two to seven audience. We have the music, the chase sequences, a lot of comic relief, as well as our villains, so there will be some dark moments. But we tend to pull back a little more than they did on the original movie or on a movie, for example, like Finding Nemo."[39]

Spin-off

A short-form series called It's UnBungalievable starring Bunga and Ono premiered on Disney Junior and Disneynature 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.[40]

  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.[41][42] 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.[43][44] In Australia and New Zealand, the pilot debuted on February 6, 2016 and the series began airing on February 28 on Disney Junior.[45] In Southeast Asia, Return of the Roar premiered on March 20, 2016 on Disney Channel (April 11, 2016 on Disney Junior) and the series premiered on April 17, 2016 on Disney Junior block in Disney Channel.[46][47]

Home media

DVD releases

Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Title Release Date Episodes Additional Features
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar[48] February 23, 2016 Television movie Music video of Beau Black performing "Here Comes the Lion Guard."
Talking backpack clip
The Lion Guard: Unleash the Power[49] 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

Soundtrack

Untitled
The Lion Guard (Music from the TV Series)[50]
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, Chungu & Hyenas1:34
14."It Is Time"Beau Black3:01
15."Call of the Guard (Full Version)"The Lion Guard Chorus4:21
Total length:34:43

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Lion King spinoff voice cast includes Rob Lowe, Gabrielle Union, James Earl Jones, and more - EW.com". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com.
  2. ^ "Mercury Filmworks".
  3. ^ "Disney's The Lion King to Continue with The Lion Guard". ComingSoon.net.
  4. ^ a b 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.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Wagmeister, Elizabeth (December 9, 2015). "Disney's 'Lion King' Revival Series 'The Lion Guard' to Premiere in January". Variety. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  6. ^ a b c d Brett, Susan (February 8, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Disney's The Lion Guard creator Ford Riley talks new Lion King sequel". TVdaily.com. Retrieved August 21, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ Steinberg, Brian (March 4, 2016). "Disney Junior Renews 'Lion Guard,' Orders 'Vampirina,' 'Puppy Dog Tails'". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ a b c "Lion King spin-off The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar sneak peek - EW.com". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com.
  9. ^ a b c d 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.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Beck, Jerry (August 12, 2015). "FIRST LOOK: Disney Channel's "The Lion Guard"". Animation Scoop. Indiewire. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  11. ^ "San Diego Zoo". archived copy of Animal group names. Zoological Society of San Diego. Archived from the original on July 4, 2013. Retrieved 2014-04-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Emma Bunton will star in Disney Junior's The Lion Guard". The List. August 23, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ Kissell, Rick (December 9, 2015). "'The Lion Guard' Off to Roaring Ratings Start for Disney Channel". Variety. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  14. ^ Owen, Rob. "Next generation 'Lion King'". Republican-American. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) Accessed 9 December 2015.
  15. ^ "The Lion Guard episodes". Disney-ABC Press. Retrieved December 24, 2015.
  16. ^ a b Welch, Alex (January 19, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: 'Gold Rush' stays high". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  17. ^ Welch, Alex (January 25, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NBA on ESPN scores well, 'Gold Rush' continues to dominate". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  18. ^ Welch, Alex (February 1, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: 'Bring It!' keeps its pace, 'Gold Rush' stays on top". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  19. ^ Welch, Alex (February 8, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: 'Gold Rush' continues to dominate, 'Deadliest Job Interview' rises". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  20. ^ Welch, Alex (February 16, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NBA Celebrity All-Star game scores well". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  21. ^ Welch, Alex (February 22, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: 'Gold Rush' rises, 'Bellator MMA' scores well". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  22. ^ Welch, Alex (February 29, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: 'Gold Rush' stays on top". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  23. ^ Welch, Alex (March 21, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NCAA basketball dominates the night". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  24. ^ Welch, Alex (March 28, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NCAA basketball scores high". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  25. ^ Welch, Alex (April 4, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NBA basketball wins the night". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  26. ^ Welch, Alex (April 22, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NBA Playoffs score well". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  27. ^ Welch, Alex (April 29, 2016). "Friday cable ratings: NBA Playoffs land on top". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 9, 2016.
  28. ^ Porter, Rick (July 10, 2016). "Sunday cable ratings: Euro 2016 final scores a sizable win for ESPN". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  29. ^ Porter, Rick (August 6, 2016). "Saturday cable ratings: Olympics and 'Family Guy' tie for No. 1". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  30. ^ Porter, Rick (August 30, 2016). "Saturday cable ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' wins the day". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  31. ^ Porter, Rick (September 27, 2016). "Saturday cable ratings: College football rules again". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
  32. ^ Porter, Rick (October 18, 2016). "Saturday cable ratings: 'Surviving Compton,' NLCS grab top spots". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 19, 2016.
  33. ^ "The Lion Guard: Episode Guide". Zap2It. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  34. ^ "The Lion King Getting Sequel TV Series, The Lion Guard, On Disney Junior". E! Online.
  35. ^ Fritz, Ben (June 9, 2014). "Disney Junior Plans Preschool Series Based on 'The Lion King' (Exclusive)". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 28, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  36. ^ "Catalog Overview". abovethetreeline.com.
  37. ^ "Disney Channel, Disney XD & Disney Junior Stars Set for 2015 D23 EXPO". Broadway World. June 11, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  38. ^ Steinberg, Brian (August 12, 2015). "Disney to Revive 'Lion King' With 'Lion Guard' TV Series". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  39. ^ a b Dickson, Jeremy (November 12, 2015). "The Lion Guard director dishes on how Disney re-animated a classic". kidscreen.com. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  40. ^ Dickson, Jeremy (January 8, 2015). "Disney's The Lion Guard gets short-form spinoff". kidscreen.com. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  41. ^ "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.
  42. ^ "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.
  43. ^ "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar". TV Guide UK. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  44. ^ "The Lion Guard debuts 13th April 2016 on Disney Junior". Primary Times. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  45. ^ "The Lion Guard: the circle of life continues". Foxtel Insider. Foxtel. February 4, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  46. ^ "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar". Disney Southeast Asia. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  47. ^ "The Lion Guard: Series Premiere". Disney Southeast Asia. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  48. ^ "'The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar' on DVD with Exclusive Gift on February 23 - Stitch Kingdom". Stitch Kingdom.
  49. ^ Lambert, David (June 10, 2016). "The Lion Guard - 'Unleash The Power': Disney's Press Release for the First DVD!". tvshowsondvd.com. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  50. ^ "The Lion Guard (Music from the TV Series) by Various Artists". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Lion Guard.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=The_Lion_Guard&oldid=745733870"