A Point of Geeks report
Here is a bit of casting that is sure to make you smile. If only because the fit is so hand-in-glove perfect. Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Elf) will be directing a live-action retelling of the The Jungle Book. Idris Elba (Pacific Rim) will play the villainous Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Iron Man 3) will voice Bagheera, Scarlett Johansson (Lucy) will play Kaa, Christopher Walken (King of New York) is up for King Louie and many more talented actors are involved. Most of the primary casting has been completed, but there was one glaring omission. Who is going to play Mowgli's best friend Baloo?
The answer is the one and only Bill Murray. His laid back demeanor and tone of voice fit the characterization of Baloo perfectly. It is possible he may be able to redefine Baloo for a new generation. This project is shaping up to be something really interesting.
This is the official press release from Disney:
Veteran actor Bill Murray has joined the cast of Disney’s The Jungle Book as the voice of Baloo.
Disney recently announced that Academy Award winner Christopher Walken will play King Louie while Giancarlo Esposito will play Akela, and the previously confirmed cast includes Academy Award winners Ben Kingsley and Lupita Nyong’o as Bagheera and Raksha, respectively; Golden Globe winner Idris Elba as Shere Khan; Scarlett Johansson as Kaa; and newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli.
The Jungle Book is a combination of live-action and animation, directed by Jon Favreau from a script by Justin Marks. The film will be released in 3D and arrives in theaters on October 9, 2015.
We will be sure to bring you all the latest in The Jungle Book news. Does the casting excite you?
Source: Point of Geeks, Disney, Slashfilm