D23 Rollout of 'The Jungle Book' Features High Tech and a Classic Song

By James Rainey

Disney rolled out the live-action remake of the animated classic The Jungle Book at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif. Sean Bailey, president of production for Disney, called the film “one of the most technologically advanced movies ever made.”

Director Jon Favreau then took the D23 stage and talked about the unique production process on the remake of the 1967 film, saying the 21st century version was first animated and then shot in live action, before the two versions were melded together.

But the emotional high point of the presentation for 7,500 fans at Disney’s D23 fan expo came with the first look at footage from the film and, particularly, Bill Murray’s turn as Baloo the Bear. The crowd at the Anaheim Convention Center whooped with delight as the Murray character broke into “Bear Necessities of Life.”

Murray was not present but Neel Sethi , the newcomer who plays Mowgli, charmed the crowd. Setti said he had never been to Disneyland or the Expo. “It was just like so fun, so overwhelming,” he said of making the film. “I can’t even talk about it, it was, so , like crazy.”

Also appearing on stage with Favreau and Bailey were Ben Kingsley, who plays Begeera, and Lupita Nyong’o, who is Bagheera.

All of the speakers talked about the thrill and the responsibility of remaking the film based on Rudyard Kipling’s book. ”We know what we are taking on when we take on these well known and well loved stories,” said Bailey. “We don’t take this responsibility lightly.”

A new poster (top) for the pic was also unveiled.