Christopher Walken Will Channel His Inner Orangutang in Disney's Live-Action Jungle Book

Oscar winner and Tony nominee Christopher Walken, who was recently cast as Captain Hook in NBC's live broadcast of Peter Pan has taken on yet another project that will appeal to his younger fan base. Walken will join the cast of Disney's upcoming live-action remake of its hit 1967 animated film The Jungle Book, taking on the role of King Louie, the jazz-singing orangutang.

Giancarlo Esposito of AMC's Breaking Bad has also been cast to voice the character of wolf-pack leader Akela, joining the previously announced Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley (Schindler's List) as Bagheera, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) as Raksha, Idris Elba (The Wire) as Shere Khan, and Tony winner Scarlett Johansson (Her, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) as Kaa. Newcomer Neel Sethi will star as the abandoned "man cub" Mowgli and will be the only actor to physically appear on screen.

Jon Favreau will direct the film, set to be released in October 2015.