Lupita Nyong'o and Scarlett Johnasson close to signing on for Jungle Book

The world's new Most Beautiful woman Lupita Nyong'o and Scarlett Johansson are on the verge of signing deals to become part of actor/director Jon Favreau's new Jungle Book movie.

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Oscar winner Nyong'o, who was named People magazine's Most Beautiful star on Wednesday (23Apr14), is close to taking on the role of Rakcha, a mother wolf who adopts lead character Mowgli, in the live-action/computer-generated film.

Johansson is in talks to voice the character of python Kaa, who hypnotises her prey.

Meanwhile, Idris Elba will voice the villainous tiger Shere Khan in the latest adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's adventure tale.

Favreau's all-star Jungle Book is not the only version of the story set for the big screen - Lord of the Rings star and film technology visionary Andy Serkis is also developing a Jungle Book film for Warner Bros.