There have been many questioning the logic and necessity behind Disney’s decision in recent years to mine from their own animation library for live-action films. Their live-action adaptations have been a financial success across the board, with highs and lows ranging from Cinderella to Alice in Wonderland. However, none have found the type of audience and critical approval to make them a classic. Suddenly, Disney has a new hope contained in one singular teaser trailer for The Jungle Book.
While it’s just a teaser, director Jon Favreau (Elf, Iron Man) shows exactly how powerful modernizing Disney’s classic tales can truly be, if handled with the correct creative vision. This is not a lazy retelling of story that everyone knows. It’s taking the story and contextualizing it with modern storytelling and action sensibilities, that should be a draw to all moviegoers whether previously a fan of the property or not.
The visual effects are flawless, with each individual animal having a realistic look, yet it’s clear that they are animated with personality, so you can still see the performance in them. Favreau is pumping up the action in lieu of the musical numbers and it’s a more visceral experience than could have been expected. Not to mention, the score is incredible and we even get a much-appreciated nod to “Bear Necessities” towards the end. This looks like the Tarzan Begins movie that we all deserve and in some ways Rudyard Kipling’s and Edgar Wright Burrows’ novels share a lot in common, so it makes thematic sense.
Although this is technically a remake of the 1967 animated film, it’s unclear how much screenwriter Justin Marks (Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li) pulled from the original source material. And while the trailer looks amazing, it’s still to be determined if the movie has a script to equal the moments of awe. Hopefully, despite a checkered past this will be Marks’ breakthrough. It’s also clear that Disney is building towards a Lion King live-action adaptation at some point in the near future, with more than one allusion to the animated film in the footage.
Rafiki? Is that you?!?
The cast features only one live-action actor or human being, which is mind-boggling challenge for a director to undertake. Underneath the next level effects is a collection of performers that are either legendary, at the top of their game, or both. The cast includes Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o, Christopher Walken, and Bill Murray, among a host of others. So expect to get some strong characterizations from the various animals found in this jungle. Simply put, this teaser trailer is jaw-dropping…so check it out!
Official Synopsis:
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” the classic tale of an Indian boy named Mowgli who is raised by wolves and living among the animals. Bill Murray will voice Baloo the bear, Christopher Walken will take on the role of King Louie, the ruler of a troop of monkeys and apes, while Giancarlo Esposito will voice Akela, the leader of the wolf pack. With Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Lupita Nyong’o as Raksha, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, and Scarlett Johansson as Kaa. The film also marks the debut of newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, who will be the only actor to physically appear on screen.
