Disney’s “The Lion Guard: Return of The Roar” is putting just as heavy an emphasis on music as its predecessor, the 1994 animated smash hit “The Lion King.”
In an exclusive behind the scenes video obtained by TheWrap, composer Christopher Willis details how he spent several months researching music native to the African Savanna, including traditional instruments and techniques that helped him create the score for “The Lion Guard.”
Along with singer-songwriter Beau Black and executive producer Ford Riley, they have created original music pieces that remain authentic to “The Lion King,” but with a new spin and identifiable sounds for each character.
Set in the African savanna, the series introduces Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, who is destined to become leader of the Lion Guard, a team of animals comprised of the Pride Lands’ greatest animals.
Many of the beloved characters from “The Lion King” will appear in the movie, too. James Earl Jones and Ernie Sabella reprise their original roles as Mufasa and Pumbaa, respectively.
Rob Lowe and Gabrielle Union star as Simba and Nala, respectively. Other voice talent includes Max Charles as Kion.
“The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” will launch with a television movie event on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m./6c on Disney Channel, with the regular series premiering in 2016.