The first of two incoming adaptations of The Jungle Book is
on its way in 2016 and Disney have just released the first trailer. The trailer
follows hot on the heels of director Jon Favreau’s seconds long tease of the trailer
on Instagram yesterday.
Favreau’s Disney funded adaptation is going to beat Andy
Serkis’ own adaptation, titled Jungle Book: Origins to screens by over a year.
However, the pedigree of talent involved in each means that they may yet both
be worth a look.
The trailer for Favreau’s version shows jungle-boy Mowgli
skipping along tree branches, facing up to his rather large snake mentor Kaa,
and running for his life from villainous tiger Shere Khan. There’s even time
for a quick float down the river on the belly of Baloo as the bear whistles the
Bare Necessities.
Favreau directed the first two Iron Man films as well as
modern Christmas classic Elf. Unknown actor Neel Sethi will make his feature
debut as Mowgli and will be the only actor appearing on screen in live action.
The locations and all other characters have been created using CGI and the
voice cast includes Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Bill
Murray as Baloo, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera and Christopher Walken as King Louie.
With that cast, you’d think Serkis’ own version wouldn’t
stand a chance but don’t worry too much for him. Serkis has Christian
Bale, Cate Blanchett and Benedict Cumberbatch all on board for his version.
Watch the trailer for Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book here:
