Movies

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

I am so excited for this weekend’s movie release of Disney’s The Jungle Book! I’ve been eagerly anticipating this movie, for a fun family movie weekend. I always feel like far too much time passes between awesome Disney movie releases, when really it’s not been long since Zootopia hit theaters. Zootopia was one of my all-time favorites by the way, so if you haven’t seen it yet – go check it out! A fun thing my mom and I like to do when we go to animated movies is to figure out what actors’ voices play each character. I’m here to give you a head start, to help you know your characters for The Jungle Book.

There are some big names playing the beloved animals from The Jungle Book, and I’m sure you’ll recognize some of them by their voices, but here they are:

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

Playing the role of Kaa is Scarlett Johansson 

Kaa is a massive python who uses her voice and hypnotic gaze to entrance Mowgli. The man-cub can’t resist her captivating embrace. “Kaa seduces and entraps Mowgli with her storytelling,” says Scarlett Johansson. “She’s the mirror into Mowgli’s past. The way she moves is very alluring, almost coquettish.”

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

Playing the role of Shere Khan is Idris Elba 

Voiced by Idris Elba, Shere Khan bears the scars of man, which fuel his hatred of humans. Convinced that Mowgli poses a threat, the bengal tiger is determined to rid the jungle of the man-cub. “Shere Khan reigns with fear,” says Elba. “He terrorizes everyone he encounters because he comes from a place of fear.”

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

Playing the role of Bagheera is none other than Sir Ben Kingsley 

Bagheera is a sleek panther who feels it’s his duty to help the man-cub depart with dignity when it’s time for him to leave his jungle home. “Bagheera is Mowgli’s adoptive parent,” says Ben Kingsley, who lends his voice to Bagheera. “His role in Mowgli’s life is to educate, to protect and to guide. My Bagheera was military–he’s probably a colonel. He is instantly recognizable by the way he talks, how he acts and what his ethical code is.”

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

Playing the role of Raksha is Lupita Nyong’o 

Lupita Nyong’o voices Raksha, a mother wolf who cares deeply for all of her pups–including man-cub Mowgli, whom she adopts as one of her own when he’s abandoned in the jungle as an infant. “She is the protector, the  eternal mother,” says Nyong’o. “The word Raksha actually means protection in Hindi. I felt really connected to that, wanting to protect a son that isn’t originally hers but one she’s taken for her own.”

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

Playing the role of King Louie is Christopher Walken 

King Louie is a formidable ape who desperately wants the secret of Man’s deadly “red flower”–fire. He’s convinced Mowgli has the information he seeks. “King Louie is huge–12 feet tall,” says Christopher Walken, who voices the character. “But he’s as charming as he is intimidating when he wants to be.”

Know the Voices from The Jungle Book - find out which actors play which animals

Playing the role of Akela is Giancarlo Esposito 

Akela is the strong and hardened alpha-male wolf who shoulders the responsibility of his pack. He welcomes Mowgli to the family, but worries he may one day compromise their safety. “Akela is a fierce patriarch of the wolf pack,” says Giancarlo Esposito, who voices the character. “He believes the strength of the pack lies in what each and every wolf offers. He’s a great leader, a wise teacher.”

There you have it – some fantastic actors and actresses, and what is going to be an amazing film! Head out this weekend (I certainly am) to see The Jungle Book! Be sure to come back and let me know which character is your favorite!

Like THE JUNGLE BOOK on Facebook  

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Twitter

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Instagram

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Pinterest

Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Google+

About the author

Emily Buys

Leave a Comment