Jon Favreau has reportedly agreed a deal with Disney to direct the upcoming live action adaption of The Jungle Book. The studio behind the timeless 1967 animated classic have announced plans to revisit the classic Rudyard Kipling tale, and with Favreau's appointment the title looks ever closer to coming into fruition.

Jon Favreau
Favreau is returning to big name features

According to Deadline, Favreau is currently in advanced talks with the studio and is keen to direct the picture. Justin Marks (The Raven) is currently working on the script, with no advancements in casting or naming producers made by Disney. The story will once again tell the tale of Mowgli, a young boy raised in the Indian jungle by animals, who is returned to human civilisation by Baloo the bear and a Bagheera the panther, whilst also trying to avoid the vicious tiger Shere Khan.

"I can't say that much, but there is an interesting take that could be very cool, and the hope is to relaunch a family brand with certain mythic elements," Favreau told Deadline. "It is my first real family film since Elf, and there are action elements and visual effects that I feel like my experience on the Iron Man films are going to be useful."

Favreau also in advanced talks to direct the upcoming Disney family film Magic Kingdom, about a theme park that comes to life. Both this and the Jungle Book remake could begin production as early as next year. The filmmaker is currently working on the comedy Chef, which he wrote, directs and stars in, alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara, Robert Downey Jr. and Dustin Hoffman. The film, about a chef who starts up a food truck after losing his restaurant job, whilst also trying to pick up the pieces in his failing family life, will be out next year.

Jon Favreau AFI
Favreau is currently making Chef

Jon Favreau Reel stories
Filming for The Jungle Book may begin as early as next year