By Patrick Luce Nov 17, 2008, 10:39 GMT
Guillermo del Toro has teamed with the Jim Henson Co. to develop a darker version of the “Pinocchio” fairy tale to be released as a stop-motion feature film.
Guillermo del Toro has plans for a darker “Pinocchio.” Guillermo Del Toro - "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" DVD & Blu-Ray Release Party - Element - Hollywood, CA. USA © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
Variety reports the film will be produced by Jim Henson Co. heads Brian Henson and Lisa Henson with senior VP Jason Lust. Del Toro is expected to executive produce the film and is working on the screenplay with Gris Grimly (who illustrated a 2002 spin on the classic story). Grimly and Adam Parrish King have signed to co-direct the film.
Del Toro revealed the plans for the new film during an interview with Bloodydisgusting.com and stated he expected the film to take about three years to complete.
The character Pinocchio first appeared in Carlo Collodi’s 19th century book “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” but is probably more well known by the Walt Disney animated film “Pinocchio” that was released in 1940.
Del Toro has added “Pinocchio” to the long list of film projects he is attached to bring to the screen – including New Line and MGM’s two-picture film adaptation of “The Hobbit.”
The director also has a first-look deal with Universal, and is in the process of setting up remakes of “Frankenstein,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and “Slaughterhouse-Five.”
Your Talkback on this Story