PHOTOS The Big Screen's Evolution of Talking Animals

Jon Favreau is directing the film from a script by Justin Marks.

Idris Elba already has been cast as the voice of the tiger Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley will voice the black panther Bagheera, and Scarlett Johansson and Lupita Nyong’o are also in talks for Disney's take on Rudyard Kipling's classic tale.

“Casting is the most important element of any film, and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative,” said Favreau. “Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders and I’m confident he can handle it.”