Timon, Pumbaa star in 'Lion King 1 1/2'

BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane and the rest of the original cast of "The Lion King" reprise their roles in a sequel, out on DVD and video next week.

Nearly a decade before they became superstars in the hit Broadway musical "The Producers," Broderick played conflicted lion Simba and Lane played wise-cracking meerkat Timon in the Oscar-winning animated feature film, "The Lion King."

"The Lion King 1 1/2" tells the story of "The Lion King" from the point of view of Timon and his sidekick, a warthog named Pumbaa (voiced by Ernie Sabella,) while also showing viewers Timon and Pumbaa's lives before they met Simba.

In addition to featuring the voice talents of original cast members Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Guillaume, Moira Kelly and Cheech Marin, the film also features music by Elton John and Tim Rice and introduces new characters like Timon's mom (Julie Kavner) and uncle Max (Jerry Stiller.)

"The Lion King 1 1/2" will be released on DVD and home video Feb. 10.