Disney to Expand The Jungle Book Franchise With Live-Action Film Helmed by Iron Man Director Jon Favreau

Disney is in talks with Iron Man director Jon Favreau to create a live-action film adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, according to reports.

Like Disney's 1967 animated movie and Disney Theatrical Productions' new stage musical, the plot will follow the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy raised by a group of jungle animals, including a bear and a panther.

The new stage adaptation of The Jungle Book, written and directed by Mary Zimmerman, premiered this year at Boston's Huntington Theatre. For more about that production, read TheaterMania's in-depth look at the project here.