The Jungle Book: Live Action

My first reaction to the news that 'The Jungle Book' was to be remade as a live action was that it was going to be a disaster. I think 'The Jungle Book' (1967, Wolfgang Reitherman) has to be one of my favourite Disney films. Watching it on video, singing along with the songs and the style of the animation was all part of the appeal- why would anyone want to make it live action?

But when I thought about it, there are several other Disney films which have been remade into live action, and of which I have liked both versions. 'Peter Pan' (1953, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske) for example. The first live action remake 'Peter Pan' (2003, P.J Hogan) is one of my sisters favourite films, and I have to say I really enjoyed it (Although after having to sit through it for about the tenth time it starts to lose its appeal!). This was a success as far as I was concerned. Further to this 'Pan' (2015, Joe Wright) is due for release on 16th October, with an all star cast including Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller and Amanda Seyfried. From what I can gather from the trailer, this film not only allows Peter Pan to be reborn but it explores the part of the story that has never been explained - where did Peter Pan come from. For this reason I am interested to see how well the story fits with the previous versions.



'Cinderella' is another Disney classic that was beautifully re-made into live action earlier this year - 'Cinderella' (2015, Kenneth Branagh)- starring the gorgeous Lily James who I recognise as playing Lady Rose in Downton Abbey (See previous Post!) This film was as enchanting as the original animated version, if not more. The songs, the wildlife, the crazy fairy Godmother (As played by Helena Bonham Carter) and of course the iconic blue dress.

'The Jungle Book' (Jon Favreau) is set for release in 2016 starring Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba and Bill Murray. I am starting to think that maybe this will work. All the animals will be CG, Favreau admitting he was influenced by the success of 'Avatar' (2009, James Cameron). If this is the case, and the animation reaches such a standard, then I think this film could be a success. There appears to be a current trend of Disney live action re-makes, I wonder who will be next to step up and which story they will chose to tell?