(DIYA TV) — Neel Sethi, 12-year-old star and lead actor of Disney’s upcoming 3D live-animation adaptation of its classic “Jungle Book” film, wowed crowds in the film’s latest teaser trailer, which ran on Sunday during Super Bowl 50. Sethi, cast as lead character, Mowgli, was seen running for his life while surviving on his own alongside the animals of the jungle.
The trailer opens with Mowgli, a young boy raised by Indian wolves, being chased by a black panther. The panther, named Bagheera, who was voiced-over by actor Ben Kingsley, stood above Mowgli and said with the most intimidating of voices: “If you can’t learn to run with the pack, one of these days you’ll be someone’s dinner.” Bagheera serves as Mowgli’s mentor on his journey of self-discovery, after he abandons the only home he’s ever known.
Director Jon Favreau, whose resume includes films such as “Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2” and the holiday comedy “Elf,” based the adaptation off Rudyard Kipling’s stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film of the same name. Favreau and Disney selected Sethi for the role after a casting search which spanned from the United States, India, England, Canada and New Zealand.
The young boy will be the only actor seen on screen for the entirety of the film, his supporting cast will be made up of all computer-generated imagery.
“Casting is the most important element of any film and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative,” said Favreau in a statement. “Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders, and I’m confident he can handle it.”
The Jungle Book will arrive in 3D in theaters on April 22.
