The Cesar of the new 'Planet of the Apes' franchise will sit behind the lens for the live-action adaptation, filling the vacant spot left by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
- March 21, 2014
AceShowbiz -
Andy Serkis boards Warner Bros.' live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book (2016)". The Hollywood Reporter learns that the actor will serve as a director, replacing Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu who bowed out of the project due to scheduling conflicts.
The pic hasn't booked a release date, but it's in a race with rival project set up at Disney as another live-action take on the classic Mowgli adventure. Jon Favreau is set to sit behind the lens for "The Jungle Book" which is slated for October 9, 2015 release.
"Harry Potter" scribe Steve Kloves serves as a producer for the WB adaptation, and his daughter Callie Kloves writes the script. No cast has been announced, but the Mouse House has already locked Idris Elba to voice Shere Khan, the infamous man-eating tiger.
Both movies are adapted from Rudyard Kipling's classic tale set in India which centers on young kid named Mowgli who is raised by wolves and makes friends with bear Baloo and panther Bagheera. The story is in public domain so both studios are free to bring it to the big screen.
