Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ Casts Mowgli
It appears that Disney have finally found their Mowgli for their upcoming version of The Jungle Book, in newcomer Neel Sethi.
The 10-year old actor, who has only previously appeared in the short film Diwali in 2013, is set to be the only live-action character in the animated film, which will have a 3D release.
In addition to Neel Sethi, the voice cast includes Idris Elba as the tiger Shere Khan and Ben Kingsley as the panther Bagheera.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scarlett Johansson and Lupita Nyong’o are in talks to lend their voices to the film.
The Jungle Book will be directed by Jon Favreau, who directed 2003s Elf, and the first two Iron Man films. The script has been penned by Justin Marks.
Jon Favreau, on the casting of Neel Sethi has said; “Casting is the most important element of any film and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative. Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders and I am confident he can handle it.”
The Jungle Book is a collection of stories, written by Rudyard Kipling, concerning an orphaned boy brought up by animals in the Indian jungle.
In 1967, Disney made a successful, animated version of The Jungle Book, which was the last film that Walt Disney produced himself, having died during post-production.
At the same time as Disney is making their version, Warner Bros. are also bringing The Jungle Book to the screen in a live-action version, set to be the directorial debut of actor Andy Serkis.
Disney’s The Jungle Book will be released on 16th October 2015 in the UK.
