Oscar winner Tom Hanks is reportedly in early negotiations to play the kindly woodcarver Geppetto in the Robert Zemeckis-directed live-action remake of their 1940 animated classic “Pinocchio”.
That film, itself an adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s famed story, tells the tale of a living puppet who must prove himself worthy to become a real boy. The song “When You Wish Upon a Star” from the film won an Oscar and has become a signature tune for the entire Disney company.
Hanks reportedly read the script and reached out to his “Forrest Gump” and “Cast Away” helmer Zemeckis to let him know he wants to do the film. Disney previously approached Hanks years ago when “Paddington” helmer Paul King was attached to direct but that deal didn’t happen.
Zemeckis and Chris Weitz will pen the script and will produce alongside Andrew Miano. Hanks is still currently filming the Baz Luhrmann-directed Elvis Presley biopic at Warner Bros. Pictures.
Source: Deadline
