The Jungle Book’s cast and their spirit animals

“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.” (Disney)

Updated on: Apr 05, 2016 8:25 PM IST

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“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.” (Disney)

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“She is the protector, the eternal mother,” says Lupita Nyong’o who voices Mowgli’s mother wolf Raksha. “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.” (Disney)

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Shere Khan is the Bengal tiger is determined to rid the jungle of the man-cub Mowgli. “Shere Khan reigns with fear,” says Elba. “He terrorises everyone he encounters because he comes from a place of fear.” (Disney)

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“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.” (Disney)

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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.” (Disney)

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“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.” (Disney)

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Neel Sethi plays Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. Faced by threat from fearsome tiger Shere Khan, he is urged to abandon the only home he has ever known. (Disney)

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Mowgli is friends with Baloo, the free-spirited bear voiced by Bill Murray. (Disney)