Idris Elba Cast as Shere Khan in New Live-action ‘The Jungle Book’ Movie

According to BBC News, actor Idris Elba has been cast as the voice of the villain tiger, Shere Khan, in Disney’s live-action remake of The Jungle Book. Seeing as the film is live-action, it appears that the animals, or at least Shere Khan, will be animated in some way, hence the need for voice actors. Idris Elba would be following in the footsteps of the late English actor, George Sanders, who voice Shere Khan in Disney’s 1967 animated film. I for one am not too excited about Idris Elba being chosen for this role, but I’m not giving up hope; he may surprise me in the end!

Ever since Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland became a blockbuster, Disney has hurried to make live-action remakes of their animated films. The results of this endeavor include the film, Maleficent (due for release this year) as well as live-action adaptations of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Cruella, and of course, The Jungle Book. The Jungle Book has been set for a 2015 release date and is being directed by Iron Man director, Jon Favreau.

Are you excited for this new live-action remake of The Jungle Book? What do you think of Idris Elba’s casting as Shere Khan? Who would you want to voice the other animal characters? Let us know in the comments below!