Christopher Walken, Giancarlo Esposito Join Jon Favreau’s ‘Jungle Book’

Disney’s voice cast includes Oscar winners Ben Kingsley and Lupita Nyong’o, as well as Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson

Getty Images
Getty Images

Oscar winner Christopher Walken and “Breaking Bad” villain Giancarlo Esposito have joined the voice cast of Jon Favreau‘s “The Jungle Book,” Disney announced on Monday.

Favreau is directing from a script by Justin Marks. The new 3D film, which is a combination of live-action and animation, will follow the adventures of Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a little boy who’s raised by wolves and friends with all sorts of jungle creatures.

Also read: Christopher Walken to Play Tap-Dancing Captain Hook in ‘Peter Pan Live’

Walken will play King Louie, the ruler of a troop of monkeys and apes, while Esposito will voice Akela, the leader of the wolf pack.

The duo join Oscar winners Ben Kingsley and Lupita Nyong’o, as well as Idris Elba and Scarlett Johansson as Kaa.

Also read: ‘Revolution’s’ Giancarlo Esposito to Return to ‘Once Upon a Time’

Newcomer Sethi will be the only actor to physically appear on screen in the film, which Disney will release on October 9, 2015.

Walken recently starred in Clint Eastwood‘s “Jersey Boys” and wrapped Jason Bateman‘s “The Family Fang.” He’s repped by ICM Partners.

Esposito, who was last seen on NBC’s “Revolution,” is repped by ICM Partners and Thruline Entertainment.

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