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This article is about the series premiere. You may be looking for the book adaption or DVD.


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The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar is an animated movie special which first aired on the Disney Channel on November 22, 2015 in North America. The movie served as a television sequel to the 1994 film The Lion King, and the prologue and pilot to the follow-up TV series, which aired from January 15th, 2016 to November 3rd, 2019. An accompanying book was also released on November 3, which tells a more condensed version of the tale. The official DVD was released on February 23, 2016.[1]

Official Description

The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar brings viewers back to the rich world of one of Disney’s most beloved films, The Lion King. It introduces Simba’s son Kion, a fun-loving lion, who’s more than happy that his sister, Kiara is the one destined to rule the Pride Lands. Yet Kion soon learns he has a destiny of his own. As the Lion King’s second-born, it’s his duty to lead The Lion Guard, the team that protects the Pride Lands and defends the Circle of Life. As the leader, Kion has been given the Roar of the Elders, an amazing power that makes him the fiercest in all the Pride Lands. To complete the Guard, Kion assembles a team of the bravest, strongest, fastest, and keenest of sight in the Pride Lands: Bunga, the honey badger, Beshte, the hippo, Fuli, the cheetah, and Ono, the egret.

’ Til the Pride Lands’ end, Lion Guard defend!

Plot

Return-of-the-Roar (4)

Simba teaches Kiara about being a queen.

The story begins by showing Pride Rock, where the king of the Pride Lands, Simba, is teaching his daughter Princess Kiara about her role as future Queen of the Pride Lands. Simba's rambunctious son, Prince Kion, interrupts the lesson, as his baobab fruit bounces onto his father's head. He soon explains that he and his best friend, Bunga, were playing Baobab Ball, and starts to play again, much to his sister's disgust. She speaks out and Kion responds snarkily back to her. Seeing the two starting to get rowdy, Simba separates them and tells them to take their fun elsewhere, and so the two take their fun farther into the Pride Lands to avoid further disturbances.

Return-of-the-Roar (181)

"Bunga! Heads up!"

The two enjoy playing together with a baobab fruit, which they use as a ball, but soon the ball rolls off into the Outlands. Kion is hesitant to go down since his father strictly prohibited him from venturing there. Bunga, on the other hand, has no fear of the Outlands, and he mocks Simba's words and gladly leaps down. Nearby, Janja, the leader of a clan of hyenas, complains to his clan over the lack of food. An unintelligent hyena named Cheezi soon spots the baobab fruit and asks if he and the other hyenas could eat it. Janja snarls at them, reminding them that he's not a vegetarian. Janja then attempts to eat an approaching butterfly, though he misses it, as it lands on his ear. As the hyenas laugh, Janja then witnesses Bunga near the fruit and sends Cheezi and Chungu out to get him. Meanwhile, Bunga locates the fruit, though almost immediately after, Cheezi and Chungu grab Bunga before he has a chance to react and Kion's warning comes too late. Worried for his friend's safety, Kion argues with the hyenas, who taunt the young lion cub. When the banter is finally over, Cheezi announces that it's time to give Janja his lunch. Fearing the worst, Kion lets loose a huge roar, which leaves the hyenas in shock and gives Bunga a chance to climb back to safety. A marking appears on Kion's shoulder but disappears soon after. When he reaches him, Bunga shows excitement at what just happened, though Kion wonders what prompted such a fierce roar.

Return-of-the-Roar (297)

Rafiki tells the Lion Guard's history.

Meanwhile, Simba, Nala and Rafiki overhear the Roar. Whilst Simba is hesitant to accept that Kion is ready, Nala and Rafiki are sure that he is. When Kion and Bunga return, Simba tells his son that they need to talk. Although Kion at first mistakes the 'talk' for something else, Simba assures him that it's not what he thinks it is. Simba and Rafiki then lead Kion and Bunga to a secret lair, hidden within Pride Rock, the Lair of the Lion Guard. Simba explains to his son that his great-uncle Scar was also gifted with the Roar of the Elders and that he lost it by using it for evil and destroying his Guard. He then informs Kion that he is the new leader of the Lion Guard, and that he must assemble the Pride Lands' fiercest, bravest, strongest, fastest and keenest of sight. Kion and Bunga get excited and leave, with Kion promising to do his new job.

Return-of-the-Roar (357)

Kion asks Bunga to join the Lion Guard.

Outside, Bunga attempts to persuade Kion to let him join, but Kion is quick to ask Bunga to join the new Lion Guard anyway, claiming him to be the bravest animal he knows. Bunga is overjoyed at the news and gladly accepts. Meanwhile nearby, a vulture named Mzingo overhears the news of a new Lion Guard and becomes curious. He flies off to warn Janja. Soon after, Kion and Bunga hear a scream, to which Bunga believes it is an indicator that someone needs their help. Almost leaving Kion behind, he runs off to investigate.

Return-of-the-Roar (379)

Zuri's claws get stuck in a log.

The scream has come from Zuri, who has her claw stuck in a log, with Tiifu and Kiara nearby. Timon and Pumbaa soon arrive on the scene to help her get her claw loose by using a branch to push it out. Zuri's paw is freed, (albeit with a broken claw), and Bunga arrives on the scene. Timon and Pumbaa, in their joy, to see him, push Zuri off the log. She lands in a broken log on the ground, revealing many insects much to the delight of Timon & Pumbaa. Kion arrives to see the mess and Kiara reveals that they never even got to the gazelles because of Zuri's accident. Bunga soon
Return-of-the-Roar (475)

Bunga teaches everyone about "Zuka Zama"

reveals the big news of Kion's new leadership. Kiara asks what a Lion Guard is, and Kion explains, with Bunga adding that he is also part of the new Guard. When Timon and Pumbaa hear this, they show their concern (the work and danger involved respectively) and Bunga tries to explain that it's more Zuka Zama than it is Hakuna Matata. Tiifu questions what Zuka Zama, quoting it as "Zooku Zama" is and Bunga explains. By the time his explanation is finished, Timon and Pumbaa come to accept Bunga's new duty (mainly because Timon learns that Bunga is now considered the bravest animal in the Pride Lands). Pumbaa, in his excitement, passes wind and everyone decides that it's time to go.

Return-of-the-Roar (529)

Tonight we Strike!

Meanwhile, back in the Outlands, Mzingo has reached the hyenas and relays the new information to Janja. Although initially concerned that he was looking for food, Janja becomes concerned when he hears the full story, remembering what the Lion Guard once stood for, before Scar took advantage of his powers. He concocts a scheme to take down as many animals as he and the other Outlanders can before the new Lion Guard is formed, starting that very night.

Return-of-the-Roar (700)

Kion gathers his team

Meanwhile, Kion has assembled a group of animals which he believes best fit the criteria for being members of the Lion Guard. He and Bunga first stop Ono, the egret, as he attempts to score some lunch, claiming him as the keenest of sight. They then locate Beshte, the hippopotamus, who is getting his friends a water slide by moving a large rock, as the strongest. Lastly, they track down Fuli, the cheetah, as she scampers away from some baboons, after accidentally offending them. After Beshte blocks them from chasing her, she apologizes and one of them, Big Baboon, accepts. Kion sees her as the fastest. Kion thanks everyone for meeting with him, and explains the reason he's brought them all together. Fuli is annoyed at first by the name since lions seem to "lord over all the other animals" and wish to see the fiercest member, which leads Bunga to persuade Kion to show her the roar. Kion is hesitant, as he does not wish to abuse his power like Scar. However, when he attempts to roar just for this occasion, all he can manage is a tiny squeak.

Zazu then calls Simba over, having found Kion. Simba then arrives and sends Kiara and Tiifu off to track the gazelles as scheduled, so that he can talk to Kion himself. After seeing the new Guard, Simba is appalled that his son has

Return-of-the-Roar (736)

Simba disappointed in his son

chosen a group of his friends to be on the new Guard, as opposed to choosing lions. Despite Kion trying to explain to his father about the reason for his decisions, Simba goes on to inform his son that the Lion Guard has always been made of lions and that it's not a game he plays with his friends because it's real and the Circle of Life will depend on who's on his team. He asks his son to reconsider since there are plenty of good lions for him to choose from, criticizing Kion for not taking his new leadership as seriously as his sister takes hers.

Return-of-the-Roar (755)

Kiara explains to Tiifu about the Circle of Life

Meanwhile, Kiara and Tiifu arrive at the gazelles' grounds. Although Tiifu assumes that they would be attacking them, Kiara explains to her that they would be no better than the hyenas, if they attacked for no reason. They soon see Mzingo and become suspicious, and their suspicions are raised when the hyenas appear. Worried about what they're up to, Kiara sends Tiifu back to get her father, while she spies from afar.

In the meantime, Kion, needing to be alone, wanders around the Pride Lands and laments over his problem, losing faith that he was the right choice for the leader of

Return-of-the-Roar (779)

Mufasa appears to advise Kion

the Lion Guard. A voice calls him from the clouds and Kion peers up to see his grandfather Mufasa there. Kion expresses his concerns to the great King of the Past, believing that he is not ready for the responsibility yet, as well as his fear of turning out like Scar. Mufasa tells Kion to trust his instincts and promises to always be there for him, before slowly vanishing back into the clouds. Kion, with renewed faith, realizes that it is time. In doing so, the Mark of the Lion Guard appears once more on his shoulder.

Return-of-the-Roar (854)

Kion gets the team together

Just then, Bunga calls Kion, and tells him that the hyenas are attacking the herd of gazelles. Kion and Bunga then rush off to find the rest of the Lion Guard. Ono, Fuli, and Beshte watch on, as Ono explains that Mzingo is telling the hyenas which one to attack next. They soon realize that the hyenas, having already killed two gazelles, are hunting for sport. Kion soon arrives, having heard their words, and tells them that he doesn't care if they're not all lions and that this was the Lion Guard for him. Although Bunga is quick to leap in, he is stopped by Kion, who has a plan. The lion then goes against his father's wishes and places his paw on each of his friend's shoulders, to give them the Mark of the Lion Guard. Together, they rush into action.

Return-of-the-Roar (878)

"Huwezi! Can't catch me!"

The Guard quietly make their way down to the gazelle's grazing grounds, before launching a surprise attack, with Kion at the front of the group. With Ono taking care of Mzingo, the rest of the group focus on the hyenas. The hyenas soon start to make a desperate retreat. Simba, Nala, Tiifu, and Rafiki arrive just in time to see the new Lion Guard chase the hyenas away.

Although they assume that their work is done, it turns out that his sister Kiara is still in danger. Tiifu points out that the herd is charging right for Kiara,

Return-of-the-Roar (937)

Bunga the Bravest saves Kiara

who is hiding behind a rock. She slips and wounds her paw, leaving everyone concerned. Bunga has an idea and asks Fuli to get him close. Ono then scouts ahead, and, when close enough, Bunga leaps onto the rock protecting Kiara. He turns around and breaks wind, which causes the gazelles to part ways. Kiara disgustedly thanks Bunga, and returns to her parents.

With Kiara safe, the Lion Guard approaches Janja's clan. As Janja taunts Kion, the lion cub makes it clear tha
Return-of-the-Roar (983)

The team unites

t the Lion Guard is there to defend the Pride Lands. He lets out the Roar of the Elders, and the hyenas scramble back to the Outlands. After witnessing the whole event, Rafiki assures Simba that he is ready. As Kion and his Guard rush back to Pride Rock, Simba is happy to accept the new Lion Guard, acknowledging that it is now their time.

Appearances

Characters

Simba-profileSimba

(debut)

Kiara-profile
Kiara

(debut)

Kion-profile
Kion

(debut)

Bunga-profileBunga

(debut)

Shingo-profileShingo

(silent debut)

Juhudi-profileJuhudi

(silent debut)

Ono-profile
Ono

(debut)

Rafiki-profileRafiki

(debut)

Beshte-profileBeshte

(debut)

Makuu-profileMakuu

(silent debut)

Ushari-profileUshari

(silent debut)

Fuli-profile
Fuli

(debut)

Janja-profileJanja

(debut)

Cheezi-profileCheezi

(debut)

Chungu-profileChungu

(debut)

Nne-profile
Nne

(debut)

Tano-profile
Tano

(debut)

Nala-profile
Nala

(debut)

Scar-profile
Scar
(debut painting)
Scarsbravestlion-profile
The Bravest Lion
(debut painting)
Scarsfastestlion-proflie
The Fastest Lion
(debut painting)
Scarsstrongestlion-profile
The Strongest Lion
(debut painting)
Scarskeenestofsightlion-profile
The Keenest of Sight Lion
(debut painting)
Mzingo-profileMzingo

(debut)

Tiifu-profile
Tiifu

(debut)

Zuri-profile
Zuri

(debut)

Timon-profileTimon

(debut)

Pumbaa-profilePumbaa

(debut)

MtotosMom-profileMtoto's Mom

(silent debut)

Zito-profile
Zito

(silent debut)

Malecrocodile-profile♂Crocodile
(silent debut)
Mwoga-profileMwoga

(silent debut)

Bigbaboon-profile
Big Baboon
(debut)
Zazu-profile
Zazu

(debut)

Mufasa-profileMufasa

(debut)

Locations

Pridelands-profilePride Lands
(debut)
Priderock-profilePride Rock
(debut)
Lairofthelionguard-profile
Lair of the Lion Guard
(debut)
Rafikistree-profileRafiki's Tree
(debut)
Wateringhole-profile
Watering Hole
(debut)
Hakunamatatafalls-profile
Hakuna Matata Falls
(debut)
Outlands-profileOutlands
(debut)
Janjasvolcano-profileOutlands Volcano
(debut)

Groups

Lionguard-profile

The Lion Guard

(debut)

Simbaspride-profileSimba's Pride
(debut)

Janjasclan-profile
Janja's Clan
(debut)

Mzingosparliament-profileMzingo's Parliament
(debut)

Onosflock-profile
Ono's Flock
(debut)

Basispod-profile
Basi's Pod
(debut / no leader)

Shingosherd-profile
Twiga's Herd
(debut / no leader/ cameo)

Bigbaboonstroop-profile
Big Baboon's Troop
(debut)

Makuusfloat-profile
Pua's Float
(debut / no leader/ cameo)

Swalasherd-profile
Swala's Herd
(debut / no leader)

Matembosherd-profile
Ma Tembo's Herd

(debut / no leader/ cameo)

Animals

Lions-profileLions
 (debut)
Honeybadgers-profile
Honey Badgers
 (debut)
Cheetahs-profileCheetahs
 (debut)
Hippos-profileHippos
 (debut)
Egrets-profileEgrets
 (debut)
Hyenas-profileHyenas
 (debut)
Hornbills-profileHornbills
 (debut)
Mandrills-profileMandrills
 (debut)
Meerkats-profileMeerkats
 (debut)
Warthogs-profileWarthogs
 (debut)
Vultures-profileVultures
 (debut)
Giraffes-profileGiraffes
 (debut)
Crocodiles-profileCrocodiles
 (debut)
Cobras-profileCobras
 (debut)
Chameleons-profileChameleons

(debut painting)

Kudus-profile
Kudus
(debut painting)
Wolves-profile
Wolves
(debut painting)
Snakes-profileSnakes
(debut painting)
Aardwolves-profileAardwolves

 (debut painting)

Turtles-profileTurtles

(debut painting)

Oryxes-profileOryxes

(debut painting)

Unknown-profileBongos

(debut painting)

Ladybirds-profile
Ladybugs
(debut painting)
Goldenwolves-profile
Golden Wolves
 (debut painting)
Wilddogs-profile
Wild Dogs

(debut painting)

Sableantelopes-profileSable Antelopes
 (debut painting)
Butterflies-profileButterflies
 (debut)
Ostriches-profileOstriches
 (debut)
Gazelles-profileGazelles
 (debut)
Crownedcranes-profile2Crowned Cranes
 (debut painting)
Lizards iconLizards

(debut painting)

Monkeys-profileMonkeys
 (debut)
Wildcats-profileWildcats

(debut painting)

Turacos-profileTuracos
 (debut)
Snails-profileSnails
 (debut)
Beeeaters-profile
Bee-eaters
 (debut)
Elephants-profileElephants
 (debut)
Flamingos-profileFlamingos
 (debut)
Bats-profileBats
 (debut)
Bees-profileBees
 (debut)
Pythons-profilePythons
 (debut)
Baboons-profileBaboons
 (debut)
Fishes-profileFishes

(debut)

Rhinos-profileRhinoceroses
 (debut)
Caterpillars-profileCaterpillars
 (debut)
Wildebeests-profileWildebeests
 (debut)
Zebras-profileZebras
 (debut)
Galagos-profileGalagos
 (debut)
Jackals-profileJackals
(mention)

Production

The Lion Guard LargePoster

Poster

The series was announced by Disney on 9th June 2014 on the run up to the first film's 20th anniversary that month and has been described as "The Lion King meets The Avengers"[2].

Attention to detail and care to the storytelling is a key component to the series, as wildlife education experts at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park will serve as consultants on stories for the show, and author and Swahili expert Sarah Mirza is the language and cultural advisor.[3]

Reception

After the release, it was announced that the premiere was the #1 Primetime Cable TV telecast of 2015 in Kids 2-5 and the #1 animated telecast across kid cable TV networks in total viewers and adults 18-49. 5.4 million viewers tuned in to watch The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar in total.[4]

Reception has been mixed-positive: with some fans criticizing the age group, the special and show have been intended for, in comparison to the original movie of The Lion King. However, others have praised the special and the show, regarding it as engaging for youngsters and adults alike.

On Common Sense Media, the film has been rated for ages 5+. It is described as "Simba's son comes of age in enjoyable animated story." While the movie hasn't been given an age rating, it is clear this is a very child-friendly series. It's been given a 3.8/5 star rating.[5]

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 showed early footage to young test audiences, who were able to make suggestions, such as adjusting the look of the hyenas. Disney Consumer Products later launched a line of toys to tie into the television series.

References

Videos

The Lion Guard Episodes
Special Episodes
Return of the RoarThe Rise of ScarBattle for the Pride Lands
Season One
Never Judge a Hyena by Its SpotsThe Rise of MakuuBunga the WiseCan't Wait to be QueenEye of the BeholderThe Kupatana CelebrationFuli's New FamilyThe Search for UtamuFollow That Hippo!The Call of the DrongoPaintings and PredictionsThe Mbali Fields MigrationBunga and the KingThe Imaginary OkapiToo Many TermitesThe Trouble With GalagosJanja's New CrewBaboons!Beware the ZimwiLions of the OutlandsNever Roar AgainThe Lost GorillasThe Trail to UduguOno's IdolBeshte and the Hippo LanesOno the Tickbird
Season Two
Babysitter BungaThe Savannah SummitThe Traveling Baboon ShowOno and the EggLet Sleeping Crocs LieSwept AwayRafiki's New NeighborsRescue in the OutlandsThe Ukumbusho TraditionThe Bite of KengeTimon and Pumbaa's ChristmasThe Morning ReportThe Golden ZebraThe Little GuyDivide and ConquerThe Scorpion's StingThe Wisdom of KongweThe Kilio Valley FireUndercover KinyongaCave of SecretsThe Zebra MastermindThe Hyena ResistanceThe Underground AdventureBeshte and the BeastPride Landers Unite!The Queen's VisitThe Fall of Mizimu GroveFire from the Sky
Season Three
The HarmattanThe Accidental AvalancheGhost of the MountainMarsh of MysteryDragon IslandJourney of MemoriesThe Race to TulizaMama BinturongFriends to the EndThe Tree of LifeThe River of PatienceLittle Old GinterbongPoa the DestroyerLong Live the QueenThe Lake of ReflectionTriumph of the RoarJourney to the Pride LandsReturn to the Pride Lands
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