How Will It Compare?
While many will declare that the Disney version is the tried and true adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic work, the 2016 live-action version directed by Jon Favreau certainly managed to capture some of the charm and wonder that came from watching the man-cub Mowglu deal with the dangers of the jungle. Plus, it had Idris Elba as the voice Shere Kahn, something we didn’t know we needed until we heard it!
Only now it seems that there’s yet another Jungle Book making its way to theatres in the new year. One that also happens to feature an all-star cast and focus on Mowgli’s origins. However, what has us most intrigued is the fact that Andy “King of Motion Capture” Serkis is in the director’s chair.
According to an article on IGN –
Warner Bros.’ 3D adaptation of The Jungle Book has received a new title as it gears up for release.
The movie was originally titled Jungle Book: Origins, but will now be known simply as Mowgli.
The feature is being developed under the direction of motion capture wizard Andy Serkis and will focus on the upbringing of the titular character.
Mowgli will “come face to face with his human origins” whilst encountering an ensemble of animals from the Rudyard Kipling classic.
An award-winning cast will populate the jungle in Warner Bros.’ adaptation, including Christian Bale as nefarious panther Bagheera, Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan, and Cate Blanchett as Kaa.
Andy Serkis will hop out of the director’s seat to take the role of Mowgli’s bear companion Baloo, with Mowgli himself being played by young actor Rohan Chand.
There’s little doubt that the motion-capture acting will be top notch, and we can’t deny the chance to see Benedict Cumberbatch try his luck at Shere Kahn is also an exciting notion. Hopefully it differentiates itself enough so fans can enjoy both in equal measure.
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