If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that Disney won’t stop rifling through their extensive back catalogue until every single one of their animated films gets the live-action treatment. Filled with remakes, spinoffs and sequels featuring some of their most iconic characters, the studio’s upcoming slate is packed with properties that will be familiar to longtime fans and now, we can add another one to the list.
After learning that the Mouse House is planning on remaking Hercules, Hunchback of Notre Dame and James and the Giant Peach, sources close to We Got This Covered say that Pinocchio is on the way as well. Of course, a live-action take on the classic 1940 movie has been in development for a while but earlier this year we were told it was cancelled. The studio didn’t comment on the reports at the time but from our understanding, it’s still very much happening.
However, the current iteration of the project is said to be a different one from when we initially heard about it. Back then, Tom Hanks was attached to star, along with Paul King directing and a script in place from King, Chris Weitz and Simon Farnaby. Now, though, it seems as if Disney is starting fresh but given that it’s so early on, we don’t have any word yet on who may be involved.
For those unfamiliar with the property – though honestly, how many people don’t know the story of Pinocchio? – Carlo Collodi introduced the character to the world back in his 1883 novel The Adventures Of Pinocchio, which told the tale a young boy carved from wood that’s brought to life by a fairy. He desperately wants to become a real boy but to do so, he has to prove himself to be “brave, truthful and unselfish,” leading him on a journey that has him encountering all sorts of colorful characters.
Again, it’s still very early days for the live-action remake of Pinocchio, but given the caliber of talent Disney usually attracts for their projects, we imagine they’ll be roping in some A-list actors to fill the main roles. After all, the fact that they went after Tom Hanks in the past shows that they’re aiming high and as soon as we hear more about what they’ve got planned, we’ll be sure to let you know.