Disney is swinging forward with its adaptation of The Jungle Book, with two actresses in the midst of boarding the project being directed by Jon Favreau.

Scarlett Johansson and Lupita Nyong’o are in the middle of negotiations to join the already cast Idris Elba in what is being envisioned as a live-action/CG hybrid movie.

Nyong’o is in final negotiations to play Rakcha, a mother wolf who adopts Mowgli.

Johansson is in earlier stages of talks to voice the character of Kaa, the python who eats other animals by hypnotizing them. Kaa is the movie’s second villain after Shere Khan, the man-eating tiger being voiced by Idris Elba.

The part of Mowgli has not been set yet.

Justin Marks wrote the script for project, which has a release date of October 9, 2015.

Favreau is producing along with Brigham Taylor.

The Disney version of Jungle Book is one of two projects underway. Warner Bros. is developing its own version of the property with Andy Serkis set to direct.

Johansson (CAA, LBI Entertainment, Morris Yorn) is currently shooting Avengers: Age of Ultron and has the Luc Besson action movie Lucy awaiting an August 8 release.

Nyong’o is only now making her first moves since winning a best supporting Oscar for her work in 12 Years a Slave. Earlier this week she joined CAA for representation.

 

 

 

 

Source: hollywoodreporter.com