Andy Serkis' 'Jungle Book: Origins' film retitled 'Mowgli'

Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Andy Serkis' upcoming Jungle Book: Origins film has officially changed its title to Mowgli, the name of the story's main character.

Mowgli is set to release in theaters on Oct. 19, 2018 and will be the directorial debut of Serkis.

The film, which will feature live-action and motion capture performances, was originally slated to release in 2016 near the Disney's Jon Favreau directed Jungle Book adaptation.

Serkis will also be starring in the film alongside Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Naomie Harris, Matthew Rhys, Freida Pinto, Peter Mullan, Jack Reynor, Eddie Marsan, Tom Hollander, and Rohan Chand as Mowgli.

Cumberbatch was cast as villain Shere Khan back in 2014.

Mowgli will offer a darker take on Rudyard Kipling's original collection of stories in comparison to Favreau's film and Disney's 1967 animated adaptation, noted The Hollywood Reporter.