If the past month or so has taught us anything, it’s that Disney won’t stop rifling through its veritable back catalogue until every single one of their pre-existing properties enters development. The mouse house is gearing up to fill its entire future production slate with remakes, spinoffs and sequels – but mainly remakes – of its most iconic characters. You know, so as to appeal to modern audiences.
Well, if you thought Disney had exhausted its supply, think again. Deadline now reports that a new live-action Pinocchio feature has been ushered into development. Writer Peter Hedges (Pieces Of April, Dan In Real Life) has been contracted to pen the script and it will be the first major movie since he wrote and directed 2012’s The Odd Life Of Timothy Green.
Described as a “Pinocchio-inspired” movie, this new iteration is said to be “loosely based” on the original source material. Writer Carlo Collodi introduced Pinocchio to the world back in his 1883 novel The Adventures Of Pinocchio, with a story about a young boy carved from wood whose sole desire is to become a real boy. His transformation from a quite nice oaky blend to a real, live flesh-and-blood boy is aided by the love and support of his father/creator Gepetto. The trade also makes mention about the genesis of the movie, which will stem from “the relationship between a father and son, the ramifications of lying and creating stories and living in a fantasy world.”
Pinocchio now joins Disney’s ever-expanding list of movies based on some of its most recognizable – and profitable – icons. The most high-profile remake is the Emma Watson-starrer Beauty And The Beast, with Dan Stevens and Luke Evans also attached, followed closely by The Jungle Book (directed by Jon Favreau), Dumbo, Mulan and Winnie The Pooh.
Tell us, are you eager to see Pinocchio made into a real live-action boy? Let us know in the comments.