Disney, in its seemingly endless quest to adapt all of its classic cartoon output into live-action (or, for the most part, live-action/CG blended) movies, has been looking to apply that idea to Pinocchio for a few years now. It moved closer to happening this past February, when Paddington's Paul King was hired to direct the film. And he's now looking at the first person he wants to cast: Tom Hanks.
According to Collider, Disney wants its Toy Story franchise voice star to play Geppetto, the toymaker and widower who dreams of having a real son. He makes a puppet and wishes upon a star for him to come to life. The Blue Fairy gifts Pinocchio the spark of life but he remains a wooden boy. Naturally, Geppetto is protective of Pinocchio, prompting the boy to set out and see the world for himself. Jiminy Cricket tries to steer him on the right path but Pinocchio is forced to find his own way, striving to prove himself worthy. Geppetto ultimately goes in search of him, clashing with Stromboli, the villainous producer of a marionette show, as well as a giant sea beast named Monstro.
Jack Thorne has taken at least one pass at the script, as has King and producer Chris Weitz, though Collider's sources have heard that Paddington co-writer Simon Farnaby is now involved. King should be rolling the cameras next summer, so will certainly be looking to lock in the busy, in-demand actor. We really hope he does, and that he makes him exclaim, "You. Are. A. TOY!"
Hanks has a few films on the way, including Toy Story 4 (out 21 June), war drama Greyhound and the still-untitled Mr. Rogers biopic.
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