Neel Sethi Jungle Book Mowgli - H 2014
Courtesy of Walt Disney StudiosAfter an extensive search, Disney’s The Jungle Book adaptation has found its Mowgli.
Neel Sethi, a 10-year-old newcomer from New York, will star in the film as the young boy who is raised by jungle animals. He’ll be the only actor to appear onscreen in the project, which is a combination of live-action and animation. Disney has slated it for release in 3D on October 9, 2015.
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Jon Favreau is directing the film from a script by Justin Marks.
Idris Elba already has been cast as the voice of the tiger Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley will voice the black panther Bagheera, and Scarlett Johansson and Lupita Nyong’o are also in talks for Disney’s take on Rudyard Kipling‘s classic tale.
“Casting is the most important element of any film, and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative,” said Favreau. “Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders and I’m confident he can handle it.”
