10 Disney Supporting Stars That Need Their Own Movie
2. Bagheera
Bagheera was for many children a teacher and a parental figure when The Jungle Book was released back in 1967. Voiced by Stephen Cabot, he was Mowgli's mentor and protector, though one who disapproved of the carefree way of life that Baloo employed. His main concern is with getting Mowgli back to his own village, protecting him from the dangers of the jungle.
Bagheera is recognised by all as a venerable character, one who is at the same time a positive and kind force, while also not one to be trifled with. Though he may not have the brawn of Shere Khan, he has brains to boot.
A spin-off with Bagheera would be something of a quieter, potentially deeper affair than many of the others suggested on this list. Perhaps closer in tone to Rafiki, his must have been a journey of discovery - both of himself and of the laws of the land, for him to be able to so confidently guide others.
His patience, while not eternal, is also one of his softer features. His understanding and friendship with Baloo seems somewhat at odds with how he conducts himself - they are the odd couple in many ways. Yet would a younger Bagheera have been closer to what the older Baloo was?
This is all supposition, deviating from Kipling's stories as well, but this kind, stern but gentle Panther was an inspiration for children in the '60s and would serve as an inspiration today as well.