Lupita Nyong’o is in final talks to join the cast of Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book. This would be her second major movie role after playing Patsey in 12 Years a Slave. She also had a minor role in Non-Stop.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, if she signs for the movie she will play Rakcha, a mother wolf who adopts Mowgli. Meanwhile, Scarlett Johannsen and Idris Elbra will voice the villains Kaa, the python, and the man-eating tiger Shere Khan. The role of Mowgli has yet to be cast.
There are currently two Jungle Book adaptations being developed: Favreau’s with Disney and Andy Serkis’ with Warner Bros.
Nyong’o recently won an Oscar for Best Supporting Role in 12 Years a Slave, signed a deal with Lancome to be their first black ambassador and was just named People‘s “Most Beautiful Person of 2014” on April 23.
The Jungle Book hits theaters on October 9, 2015.
