Exclusive: Watch a Brand New Clip from The Lion Guard and Read Our Interview with Ernie Sabella 

Articles Deals Fan Stories Photos Recipes Trivia

Exclusive: Watch a Brand New Clip from The Lion Guard and Read Our Interview with Ernie Sabella

 premieres on Disney Channel. The special TV event, which faithfully continues the story of

, is a precursor to an animated series of the same name, set to debut next year. The series is spirited and fun in the same way that the film was, incorporating both elements of the original feature and its direct-to-video follow up

 It follows Kion (Max Charles), Simba (Rob Lowe) and Nala’s (Gabrielle Union) son, as he joins a prestigious group to protect the Pride Lands and finds out what really makes a hero.

One of the strongest links between the Academy Award-winning feature film and the new series is the casting of Ernie Sabella who reprises his role as Pumbaa, the lovable warthog—and in the new series, an adoptive uncle to Bunga (Joshua Rush), a feisty honey badger and friend of Simba’s.

We were lucky enough to debut an amazing clip from

, and chatted with Sabella about what it’s like reprising his role, what his favorite turn as Pumbaa was, and how the new series differs from the original film.

Let’s go back to the beginning: What do you remember from getting the job on

I remember it well. Nathan Lane and I were doing

on Broadway and we got called in to audition for the hyenas. So we went into the same little booth and we improvised around this hyena situation and we saw that everyone’s mouths were hanging open and we said, “Okay, bye!” While we were in the elevator I said, “Well at least we have our nighttime job.”

Did you have any idea when you landed the role that you’d still be playing it all these years later?

Heavens no! I told Nathan two sessions into it how I felt. Nathan said, “I think it’s going well.” And I said, “Yeah, yeah it’s going well. They’ll get Dom DeLuise or somebody else. We’re doing this and one day we’ll get a call and they’ll say goodbye.” And he said, “No, I think they really like us.”  I said, “I hope so, because this is a dream come true.”

You’ve played this character in everything from theme park attractions to public service announcements. Is it still fun to play?

Oh yes. I see this as a real blessing. When they say, “Do you want to play Pumbaa? Here’s the script,” I say, “I’m there.” I love it. And I love that kids love it. I can be anywhere and if I start talking like Pumbaa, they turn around very slowly like, “Oh my gosh, it’s him!”

What is your relationship with the character now?

Pumbaa makes me happy. He’s such a giant character and an iconic voice for Disney. Of all the things I’ve done, this is the thing that will outlive me for a very, very long time. When I watch

, I’m transported to such a magical land. And hearing these voices, they are not dead. They are alive. They are beautiful. And I hope that happens for me.

Yes, it was. Because I’m older and so is Pumbaa. He’s Uncle Pumbaa. It was a real chance to be an older, wiser voice for Simba’s kids. It’s very thrilling, very thrilling.

More of the good stuff. To the young world, it’s Simba’s kids. They’re the stars. They’re doing the battles and they’re protecting the Pride Lands. And I’m there to make sure nobody gets hurt.

, the TV series. And to know that my brother took his kids to Epcot and I had forgotten that I had done the voice-over for this huge nature movie, and they’re sitting there, and they’re going, “Oh my gosh, that’s Uncle Ernie!” I said, “It was?” It was like: Oh right, I did that.

Is there anything you’ve wanted to do as Pumbaa, but have not done yet?

That’s a good question. Give me some time on that. Maybe lock Timon in a coconut.

this Sunday on Disney Channel at 7 p.m./6 central.

Tagged as: The Lion Guard, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, The Lion King (1994)

Exclusive New Art from The Legacy Collection: The Lion King

The Legacy Collection: The Lion King Celebrates 20 Years...

Bringing the ‘90s To Life: An Interview with Animator...

Disney Insider’s 14 Favorite Stories from 2014

Watch the First Clip from The Lion Guard and Find Out...

Dastardly Drawings: Animator Andreas Deja On Crafting Famous...

Get the latest from Disney Insider sent directly to your inbox!

The Spookiest Luau Ever: Trader Sam’s Mahaloween

Dastardly Drawings: Animator Andreas Deja On Crafting Famous Disney Villains

Fluffy Fun: Inside the Making of Cloud Country

Everything the Star Wars Trailer Tells Us About Force Awakens

(Almost) Everything Else to Do at Epcot Food and Wine

Eric Goldberg On Animating Genie’s Outtakes from Aladdin

Back to the Future: Brad Bird on Tomorrowland’s Deleted Scenes, Incredibles 2’s Progress and Animated Prologues

disney royals from concept art to final frame

exclusive: watch a mickey mouse birthday short ¡feliz cumpleaños!

how disney•pixar has changed from toy story to the good dinosaur

make your own terrarium inspired by the good dinosaur

what is your disney animal personality type?

james monroe iglehart’s genie rap in “friend like me” is certifiably awesome

© Disney. All Rights Reserved. Disney Lifestyle