Jon Favreau in Talks to Direct Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’
Disney is turning to Jon Favreau to helm its live action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”
The studio is in negotiations with the “Iron Man” director to turn the film into a new family franchise for the studio. Favreau, who is repped by CAA, has been developing Disney’s tentpole “Magic Kingdom,” set inside the company’s theme park.
Justin Marks, who previously wrote “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” for Disney, is writing the script. Project could go into production next year.
Script will focus on Mowgli who is raised by animals in the Indian jungle, where he befriends a bear and panther and is hunted by a vicious tiger.
SEE ALSO: Disney Developing Live Action ‘Jungle Book’ Movie
Disney, of course, also produced the animated classic “The Jungle Book,” which was released in 1967.
Disney Theatrical Prods’ musical, also based on the Kipling book, went live June 21 and will play in Chicago through Aug. 4, when it moves to Boston’s Huntington Theatre in September. Musical is adapted and directed by Mary Zimmerman (“Metamorphoses”) and stars Akash Chopra as Mowgli.
CAA also reps Marks, along with Madhouse Entertainment.
Deadline first reported the news.
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