Meet The Cast Of The Jungle Book

“Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife.” Everyone from past generations knows that tune and now it’s probably stuck in your head. You’re welcome!

The Jungle Book aired in 1967 and was the last film produced by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. The film itself has stood the test of time. Songs such as the “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be Like You” still ring in people’s heads and are frequently used as slogans.

Remaking a Disney classic that has already captured the hearts of generations of people can be challenging. They must be sure to arrive at a balance between old and new and I think this great cast will definitely be getting it right!

Voiced by Idris Elba, Shere Khan bears the scars of man, which fuel his hatred of humans. Convinced that Mowgli poses a threat, the bengal tiger is determined to rid the jungle of the man-cub.

Giancarlo Esposito as Akela, the strong and hardened alpha-male wolf who shoulders the responsibility of his pack. He welcomes Mowgli to the family, but worries he may one day compromise their safety.

Ben Kingsley as Bagheera – a sleek panther who feels it’s his duty to help the man-cub depart with dignity when it’s time for him to leave his jungle home. Bagheera is Mowgli’s adoptive parent who feels it’s his role to educate, protect and guide Mowgli.

Lupita Nyong’o voices Raksha, a mother wolf who cares deeply for all of her pups—including man-cub Mowgli, whom she adopts as one of her own when he’s abandoned in the jungle as an infant.

Kaa is a massive python who uses her voice and hypnotic gaze to entrance Mowgli. The man-cub can’t resist her captivating embrace. She seduces and entraps Mowgli with her storytelling. Kaa, in the original, was a male but I think this change, with Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, will be fantastic!

Christopher Walken as King Louie, a formidable ape who desperately wants the secret of Man’s deadly “red flower”– fire. He’s convinced Mowgli has the information he seeks. King Louie is huge (12 feet tall) but can be charming too!

Bill Murray will play the fun-loving, goofy Bear, Baloo in this new version. Who can resist Bill Murray – even if it’s only his voice! Director Jon Favreau had originally stated that he did not want to completely replicate the beloved animated version, but he has promised that Bill Murray will be singing Baloo’s famous song, “The Bare Necessities“.

Selected for the role of Mowgli from thousands who auditioned across the globe, Neel Sethi is also the only real human character in The Jungle Book with everyone else providing voices for animals.

On April 15, the legend comes to life!

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I will be joining 24 other bloggers on the red carpet in Los Angeles for the premier of The Jungle Book. We will be interviewing Director Jon Favreau and Neel Sethi during the 3 day event – be sure to follow #JungleBookEvent – April 3 to April 5! As part of the adventure, we will also get to join Disney XD for a special screening of the hilarious new hidden camera-practical joke series “Walk the Prank.“ Featuring live-action scripted comedy interspersed with fully produced unscripted pranks, the show follows an ensemble cast as they plan and execute hilarious over-the-top pranks for an online hidden camera show. We will get to view production for an upcoming episode and interview members of the “Walk the Prank” cast. ‪“Walk the Prank” premieres 4/6 at 8:30 pm on Disney XD. #WalkThePrank