The first trailer for Andy Serkis’ live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, Mowgli, is here, and it is a bit darker than you might imagine. This dark retelling is set to release in theatres this fall.
If you’re concerned that Mowgli will tell the same story as Jon Favreau‘s adaptation of The Jungle Book, don’t be. Serkis told journalist at CinemaCon last month that this would be a much darker tale focused on the much-beloved characters. However, fans of Rudyard Kipling’s original novel already know that the story focuses on the terrors and harsh realities that come with growing up in the jungle instead of singing bears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=142&v=GpxCT36DxKg
Mowgli has a pretty impressive cast behind its dark story. Benedict Cumberbatch is set to voice the savage Shere Khan; Christian Bale lends his voice to the project as Mowgli’s protector, Bagheera; Cate Blanchett takes on the giant serpent Kaa; Serkis himself will voice Baloo while directing the film.
While Andy Serkis is known for his motion capture work in Lord of the Rings, The Planet of the Apes, and Star Wars, this isn’t his first directorial exploit. Last year, he directed a romantic comedy, Breathe, starring Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield. When it comes to Mowgli, Serkis wasn’t the only director interested in the project. Greenlit back in 2012, Steve Kloves (Harry Potter screenplay writer), Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (The Revenant), and Ron Howard (Solo: A Star Wars Story) were all in talks at some point to direct the project.
Mowgli is set to release on October 19, 2018.
Are you looking forward to Serkis’ retelling of the classic tale? How do you think it will compare to Favreau’s own live-action adaptation in 2016? Let us know in the comments below, and make sure you keep coming back to The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!
