Jon Favreau to Direct New 'Jungle Book' Movie for Disney

Jon Favreau is in talks to direct the upcoming live action adaptation of "Jungle Book."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the "Iron Man" director will return to the big budget film after shooting the indie film "Chef" starring Sofia Vergara, Scarlet Johansson and Robert Downey Jr. Disney is currently developing "Jungle Book" with Justin Marks attached to write the film. However, no producers have been approached for the movie.

The new adaptation will be the third version of the film Disney has produced. The first adaption was made in 1967, which was nominated for Best Song at the Academy Awards. The studio later produced a 1994 live-action film, which starred Cary Elwes and Sam Neill. Disney later made an animated sequel "Jungle Book 2" in 2003.  

Favreau previously directed "Iron Man 2," "Cowboys & Aliens," "Zathura: A Space Adventure," "Elf" and 2001's "Made."

"The Jungle Book" was written by Rudyard Kipling and is a collection of fables set in India. The short-story collection was published in 1894, and the majority of the tales focus on Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves whose friends include a bear named Baloo and a panther by the name of Bagheera. One of the adversaries that comes up several times is Shere Khan, a mean tiger.

Disney will next release "Frozen," "Saving Mr. Banks" and "Thor: The Dark World." "Jungle Book" will be the fourth story Disney has adapted to a live-action film from one of its classic animated films. The company has adapted "Alice in Wonderland," as well as the upcoming "Cinderella" and "Malificient" starring Angelina Jolie.