During the The Jungle Book Press Junket, we had the opportunity to interview Director Jon Favreau and Neel Sethi who plays “Mowgli, the star of the movie, Sir Ben Kingsley (voice of “Bagheera”), Lupita Nyong’o (voice of “Raksha”) and Giancarlo Esposito (voice of “Akela”.)
Director Jon Favreau Interview
Jon Favreau, the director of The Jungle Book began his career in the industry as an actor starring two of my favorite movies, the inspiring sports film “Rudy” and the comedy “Swingers.” Since then, he has continued to challenge himself with a variety of eclectic projects.
Jon Favreau undoubtedly has an impressive directing resume directing Marvel blockbuster hits “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2″ but he has quite the captivating, down to earth and funny sense of humor that made interviewing a joy.
The Disney Experience
He described how he wanted to keep the movie photo real but with a dream like quality seeing from a child’s perspective. Disney was totally on board and totally committed and enthusiastic especially after the success of other live action adaptions the studio has had in recent years. He was also quite candid that there was a relaxed comfort and that as an artist you want that kind of support. The movie took three years to make. I thought his comment “they are not fighting you on every little decision” was quite telling. I think we all want that kind of supportive and workin
Finding Mowgli
Favreau in no way took credit for finding Neel Sethi. 2,000 kids auditioned for the role of Mowgli which he was sent to review the best candidates during the process. As a father, he recognized the qualities of this first timer he was looking, a confidence and most importantly, a support system. Also because Neel was great with a comeback and that he wasn’t just a kid looking for acting jobs made it fun for Favreau. My favorite comment was that Neel just found the role from a flyer and did not seem concerned if he got the job or not.
Common Background with His Star
I had no idea Favreau was from New York but it made him smile that Neel was also from Manhattan.
Putting Neel (Mowgli) through his paces
After the audition was over, Neel told Favreau that he did his own stunts. That said knowing Neel was an athlete, he had the stunt men put him through the paces to make sure Neel could keep up with all the strenuous activity.
Gaining Inspiration from Walt Disney
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Neel Sethi (Mowgli) Interview
After an exhaustive worldwide search for kids to play the lead role of Mowgli, Neel Sethi was one of last people the casting director saw. Neel is the only human character in the movie and was called on to summon incredible imagination skills in order to visualize the other elements in the scene. The movie was in fact shot totally in a studio in Los Angeles.
Auditioning for the Role
It’s been noted that this is Neel’s first movie role but bet you are wondering how does a kid from New York City find out about casting for a big huge Disney movie being directed by a big wig like Jon Favreau? A flyer! That’s right a flyer. His dance teacher thought he would be good for the role and low and behold, a kid who had never thought about acting for before auditions, gets flown out to Los Angeles to meet with producers and voila the Producer calls and tells him he got the role. I am pretty sure it was more than just one audition but Neel’s telling of it is just so cute.
Fun fact, he auditioned for the role on the last day of fifth grade.
How did he and his family celebrate the good news?
By enjoying his favorite food, Lobster and ravioli! I like this kid.
Interacting with Nothing but his imagination
Obviously, Neel was not acting opposite bears, panthers and wolves so how did he manage to act interacting with nothing. He talked about how he just made it natural thinking it’s like a bear or panther not a puppet. He did mention that Jon (the director) actually got into the puppet sometimes and that helped him interact more in the scene.
His least favorite part of the entire shoot
The mud. You have to see the movie to see the scene is referring to but at one point he is just covered in mud from head to toe. He described how the mud would get all hot and itchy and then they had to spritz him with cold water to get it all muddy again. And that he had to act like that was normal. You have to love his honesty.
BEVERLY HILLS – APRIL 04 – Group photo with Jon Favreau & Neel Sethi during the “The Jungle Book” press junket at the Beverly Hilton on April 4, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Becky Fry/My Sparkling Life for Disney)
Both Jon Favreau and young Neel Sethi were a perfect pair, Director and young first timer. You could tell that Jon who is father was very protective of his young charge. Given that it was just the two of them on the shoot on a lot in Los Angeles, you could tell there was very special bond that had taken place. Of course it helps that Favreau is pretty genial and funny so I can imagine Neel was serious throughout the shoot but was comfortable and had a fun time.
Speaking of Neel, he was just a delightful interview, well -spoken but nonchalant in a funny way. I could see why he was selected as Mowgli versus more seasoned kid actors, he was just so care free the perfect type for the role.
Interviewing the stars is one thing but Walking the Red Carpet for The Jungle Book is whole another experience. Stay tuned for interviews with Sir Ben Kingsley (voice of “Bagheera”), Lupita Nyong’o (voice of “Raksha”) and Giancarlo Esposito (voice of “Akela” )and my full review of the movie.
“Mowgli Leaves The Pack” Film Clip
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THE JUNGLE BOOK opens in theatres everywhere in 3D, RealD 3D, and IMAX 3D on April 15th!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom’s travel and accommodations to attend the The Jungle Book event is being covered by Disney. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
