King Louie

Jolly King of the Jungle

Cheerful and talkative orangutan king appearing in Disney's 'The Jungle Book'. Desires to know the secrets of the jungle.

Quotes

  • I'm the king of the jungle!
  • Bazari bazari, bazari bazari everything!
  • Mowgli, tell me the secrets of humans!

Trivia

  • King Louie is a fictional character created, not based on a real orangutan.
  • Original English voice actor Louis Prima was a jazz musician who also sang.
  • The 1967 animated film's popular song 'I Wan'na Be Like You' is King Louie's theme.
  • In the 2016 live-action film, Imelda Staunton voiced the character, which was reimagined.

Alternate names

King Louie King Louie King Louie

Tags

Profile

Species
Orangutan
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Large orangutan with orange-brown body fur and distinctive human-like expressions, often wearing a crown.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Red
Distinguishing features
  • Crown
  • Large hands
  • Lush reddish-brown fur
  • Expressive human-like face
Iconic items
  • Crown
  • Red fur
  • Jungle branches

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cheerful
Detailed personality
Curious and energetic, sociable and cheerful. Strong interest in acquiring knowledge, eager to know the jungle's secrets. Sometimes cunning, but basically endearing.
Keywords
  • Cheerful
  • Curious
  • Sociable
  • Talkative
  • Energetic
  • Cunning
Motto
Acquire knowledge while having fun!
Talents
  • High intelligence
  • Musical talent
  • Improvisational sense of rhythm
Skills
  • Eloquence
  • Cooperativeness
  • Leadership
  • Dance
Motivation
To know the jungle's secrets and protect his status as leader.
Habits
Often sings and dances cheerfully. Tends to talk too much.
Music
Jazz, Blues, Improvisational performance
Favorite foods
Bananas, All fruits

History

Backstory
Rules as the king of the jungle, leading the other animals. In 'The Jungle Book', approaches protagonist Mowgli to learn human secrets but is driven away. In the Disney film version, depicted as a cheerful musical character.
Debut date
October 18, 1967
Work title
The Jungle Book
Media type
Movie

First appearance in Disney film 'The Jungle Book'

Significant event
First appearance in Disney film 'The Jungle Book'
Description
Appears as the cheerful orangutan king and performs the famous song 'I Wan'na Be Like You'.

Character reinterpretation in new works

Significant event
Character reinterpretation in new works
Description
In later remakes and spin-offs, personality and role expanded, depicted in multifaceted ways.

Relationships

Mowgli

Demanded Mowgli reveal the jungle's secrets but was refused.

Baloo

Scenes of interaction as jungle companions.

Jungle Animals

Jungle Animals: leader

Media appearances

The Jungle Book (1967)

Movie / Supporting

Theatrical release in 1967

The Jungle Book (2016) Live-Action Version

Movie / Supporting

Theatrical release in 2016

The Jungle Book TV Series

Anime / Supporting

Aired 1967-1969

Voice cast and creators

Imelda Staunton (1967 version)

Voice actor
Imelda Staunton (1967 version)
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Original Animated Film

Louis Prima

Voice actor
Louis Prima
Language
English
Version or series
Original Animated Film
Notes
Singing role

Tesshō Genda

Voice actor
Tesshō Genda
Language
Japanese
Version or series
2016 Live-Action Film

Rudyard Kipling

Creator name
Rudyard Kipling
Role
Original author

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Creator name
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

King Louie Figure

Item name
King Louie Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

King Louie Plush Toy

Item name
King Louie Plush Toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular