A lot has been said about the technology that helps bring Jon Favreau's live-action/CG take on The Jungle Book to life, but in an effort to have us all remember who provides the voices, Disney has released some images of Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o and most of the main animal voice cast for the film.
Taking on Rudyard Kipling's 19th century source material, Favreau's latest focuses on the adventures of young jungle-dweller Mowgli, played by newcomer Neel Sethi. Orphaned and raised by wolves (including Nyong'o's Raksha and Giancarlo Esposito's Akela), he learns of his human heritage and must decide whether he belongs with his own kind or stays in the jungle with the animals he knows as family. But the place he grew up has its own dangers, including the terrifying tiger Shere Khan.
Idris Elba gives his growly tones to Khan (see him above), a character driven by a hatred of humans learned through clashes and scars. He's convinced that Mowgli is a threat and intends to rid his home of the man-cub.
Nyong'o's Raksha, on the other hand, is Mowgli's chief protector, who has cared for him since she found him abandoned in the jungle as an infant. Trivia note: Raksha in Hindi mean "protection."
Also on the protective side is Bagheera (Ben Kingsley), who makes it his mission to educate and guide the lad, and the one who is preparing him for his return to the human world.
Akela, voiced by Esposito, is the alpha-male wolf who welcomes Mowgli into his family, but is worried that he may one day pose a danger. Still, he strongly believes in the unity of the pack, and is both a leader and a teacher.
Christoper Walken's King Louie befriends Mowgli more for what he can glean from him: the giant ape is after the secret of mankind's deadly "red flower", the animals' name for fire.
Finally, there's Kaa, seductively voiced by Johansson, who entraps Mowgli with her storytelling and provides a link to his past.
Not pictured? Bill Murray, who presumably couldn't be tracked down for the photoshoot. Or he was busy. He plays Baloo, the lovable bear who is Mowgli's best friend and guide.
The Jungle Book arrives in the UK on April 15.
Photography by Sarah Dunn.