Tom Hanks is in early talks to play Geppetto, the fatherly puppet maker, in Disney’s live-action remake of the animated “Pinocchio,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Paul King, known for the “Paddington” films, is directing the film based on the most recent draft of the script written by King, Chris Weitz and Simon Farnaby. Weitz is producing with Andrew Miano.
Based on the 1940 animated classic, “Pinocchio” is the story of woodworker Geppetto who wishes upon a star that his puppet Pinocchio could become a real boy. The Blue Fairy grants Geppetto’s wish and asks Jiminy Cricket to serve as the wooden boy’s conscience. But the naive and trusting Pinocchio falls into the clutches of the wicked Honest John, who leads him astray to the sinful Pleasure Island.
Disney’s slate of live-action remakes of their animated classics includes the upcoming “Aladdin,” “The Lion King” and “Dumbo,” all slated for 2019, and all of which have attracted A-list talent and directors. They follow on the box office success of “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Jungle Book” and “Cinderella.”
Hanks recently wrapped production on the untitled Mister Rogers biopic directed by Marielle Heller of “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” He’ll also star in the World War II movie “Greyhound” and lends his voice to Woody in the fourth “Toy Story” film.
Hanks is repped by CAA.
Collider was first to report.