Walt Disney Pictures has announced that they have cast newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli in their live action adaptation of ‘The Jungle Book’.
The films director Jon Favreau said casting the role of Mowgli was crucial.
“Casting is the most important element of any film and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative,” said Favreau. “Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders and I’m confident he can handle it.”
Sethi beat out thousands for the role after auditions were held in New York, New Zealand, London, the US and India.
He will be the only actor on screen but the movie features the voices of Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o and Ben Kingsley.
‘The Jungle Book’ is slated to hit theaters on October 9, 2015.
