Robert Zemeckis is in talks to direct Disney’s live-action Pinocchio. While discussions are still fairly early, Zemeckis has been reportedly eyeing the project since early summer. The timing was a bit of an issue though. Now that he is wrapping up production on The Witches for Waner Bros., he can set his sights on this project.
Originally, Paul King had been tasked with directing the project. However, he dropped the project early this year for unknown reasons. David Heyman, who was on board to produce, also has left the film. Andrew Miano and Chris Weitz will both be producing this film through their company Depth of Field. Weitz will be writing the script.
Once Zemeckis is officially in the director’s chair, he will face the task of casting the film. At one point Tom Hanks was eyeing the role of Geppetto. However, that never came to pass.
Zemeckis in recent years has been focused on more adult-centered films. Pinocchio would mark a return to the family films that Zemeckis started his career with.
Pinocchio continues the trend by Disney of live-action remakes of animated classic films. For the most part, these remakes have been successful for Disney. This year both The Lion King and Aladdin remakes have passed $1 billion. As these films continue to succeed, Disney will most likely continue to make more of them.
What do you think about Robert Zemeckis directing Pinocchio? Who would you like to see cast in the film? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
