Live ‘Jungle Book’ Gets Trailer

Disney has unveiled the official trailer for its live-action-with-CG-accompaniment take on Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. This more serious action-adventure take on the story will hit theaters April 15, 2016.

Synopsis:


Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

ABC Orders Return of ‘The Muppets’

ABC has picked up three comedy series to add to its line-up in the near future, including the triumphant return of The Muppets to the small screen.

The new twist on ABC’s The Muppets will be its framing as a documentary-style show that will explore the personal lives and relationships of the classic Jim Henson characters, both at home and at work. Breakups, romances and more adult topics tackled appropriately for all ages will feature in the ABC Studios and Muppets Studio production.

The Muppets is being co-written and exec produced by The Big Bang Theory’s Bill Prady and Bob Kushell. Randall Einhorn and Bill Barretta will also exec produce.

The Muppets