When Disney’sThe Jungle Bookhits theaters in just a few short weeks, it certainly won’t be the first time that author Rudyard Kipling’s iconic story has been adapted for the big screen. DirectorJon Favreauexplains in a new preview that he grew up on the original animated movie, but now this is the perfect time to update this story, thanks to advancements in animation technology. We also hear from several voicecast memberssuchBill Murray(Baloo),Lupita Nyong’o(Raksha),Idris Elba(Shere Khan),Ben Kingsley(Bagheera),Scarlett Johansson(Kaa), along with plenty of new footage.
If that wasn’t enough, we also have two clips from this upcoming adventure. The first scene shows Mowgli (Neel Sethi) trying to help Baloo prepare for “hibernation,” while the second features Akela (Giancarlo Esposito) telling Raksha that Mowgli has to leave the jungle for his own safety. Directed byJon Favreau, based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film,The Jungle Bookis an all-new live-action epic adventure aboutMowgli(newcomerNeel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice ofIdris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.
Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice ofBen Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice ofBill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice ofScarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice ofChristopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.
The all-star cast also includesLupita Nyong’oas the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, andGiancarlo Espositoas the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela.The Jungle Bookseamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on August 04, 2025.
The Jungle Bookwill have plenty of competition when it hitstheatersnext month. This adventure will be squaring off againstBarbershop: The Next Cut,Everybody Wants SomeandCriminalon April 15. Do you think this new take on the classic story will become a huge hit at thebox office? Take a look at this preview and new clips forThe Jungle Bookbelow, and stay tuned for more on this upcoming adventure.
