Ah yes, the circle of life that moves us all, continues it’s path unwinding with Disney Television Animation’s upcoming television movie and series The Lion Guard. It was 20 years ago that The Lion King hit movie theaters, which means that cub Rafiki holds up at the end of the film is now a young adult.

The Lion Guard is intended for children age 2-7 and their families, and will kick off in Fall of 2015 with a television movie, then a subsequent series in 2016 on Disney Junior.

According to the press release:

“The Lion Guard begins as Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, assumes the role of leader of the Lion Guard, a group of the bravest and brightest tasked with preserving the Pride Lands. Instead of assembling a team of young lions to serve with him, Kion challenges tradition by calling upon friends he believes are the best choices – Bunga, a fearless honey badger; Fuli, a confident cheetah; Beshte, a happy-go-lucky hippo; and Ono, an intellectual egret. Stories will include special appearances by Mufasa, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Zazu and Kion’s older sister, Kiara, the future Queen of the Pride Lands.”

The Lion Guard movie and series were developed by Ford Riley (Special Agent Oso), who also serves as executive producer. Howy Parkins (Jake and the Never Land Pirates) is director. Christopher Willis (Mickey Mouse) is the composer.