One of our favorite childhood stories, “The Jungle Book” has been recreated, revamped and brought to life!
Director, Andy Serkis and screenplay writer Callie Kloves joined forces to create Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle which was based off stories collected in All the Mowgli Stories by Rudyard Kipling. The film tells the story of the man cub Mowgli, [Rohan Chand] who was raised by a pack of wolves in India. He is taught the ways of the jungle by his strict but loving mentors Baloo [Andy Serkis], the sloth bear and Bagheera [Christian Bale], the panther. While Mowgli is accepted by most of the animals in the jungle, the ferocious tiger Shere Khan [Benedict Cumberbatch], doesn’t take a liking to him. In fact, it is Shere Khan’s mission to kill the man cub! Torn between two worlds, Mowgli must accept his destiny and become a legend! Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star cast along with newcomer Rohan Chand in this visually spectacular and emotionally moving adventure.
The Hollywood screening of Netflix’s film Mowgli took place at the famous ArcLight Hollywood theaters. Stars of the film Serkis, Bale and Chand were in attendance as well as various celebrities who came out to support this five year in the making masterpiece. The film was delayed numerous times to work on the visual effects and to create space between itself and the April 2016 release of Walt Disney Pictures‘ own Jungle Book adaptation. When Serkis was asked what he was most proud of he stated, “I’m proud of the fact that we managed to hold onto the original vision of what this film set out to be which was a version that was closer to Rudyard Kipling’s book.” Serkis explains that it was very gratifying to be able to tell the story of a young boy who is struggling with feeling like an outsider, he is not man nor is he wolf yet he learns to find and create his own identity through overcoming some inner battles as well as outer challenges.
Director @andyserkis talks @netflix “Mowgli” at LA premiere! pic.twitter.com/d3tcGCR3wN
— The Knockturnal (@_TheKnockturnal) November 30, 2018
The screening was followed by an intimate celebration at Stella Barra Hollywood adjacent to the Cinerama Dome which is now apart of the ArcLight Complex. Cast mates and guests mingled and dined as they finally were able to celebrate the highly anticipated release of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. The film will have exclusive limited theatrical engagements starting November 29 in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and London to which is will then be released globally on Netflix on December 7 and will have an expanded theatrical release in additional theaters in the US and UK.
