Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis has been tapped to direct and co-write Disney’s live-action remake of its animated classic Pinocchio.
Tom Hanks was reportedly in talks to play Pinocchio’s “father” Geppetto in 2018; it’s unclear if he is still attached to the film.
The original film centered around Geppetto who catches sight of a wishing star and wishes for Pinocchio to become a real boy. Once Geppetto fell asleep, his home is visited by the Blue Fairy, who brings Pinocchio to life. With his faithful friend Jiminy Cricket by his side, Pinocchio embarks on fantastic adventures that test his bravery, loyalty and honesty until he triumphs in his quest for his heart’s desire: to become a real boy.
The original 1940 animated movie won two Oscars for best original score and the classic Disney tune, “When You Wish Upon a Star”. The movie based on the Carlo Collodi story follows the young puppet boy Pinocchio who yearns to be a real boy after being created by Geppetto.
Production could possibly start by the end of the year. While no release date has been set for Pinocchio, Disney has several dates reserved for untitled live-action features as can see below:
March 12, 2021; July 30, 2021; Oct. 8, 2021; Nov. 19, 2021; March 25, 2022; May 27,2022; July 8, 2022; Aug. 12, 2022; Nov. 4, 2022; March 10, 2023; May 26, 2023; July 14, 2023; Aug. 11, 2023; Oct. 6, 2023; and Dec. 15, 2023. Their next live-action reboot of a classic animated title is Mulan on March 27.