Disney is digging into its vault once again, and this time, it’s Pinocchio that will be getting the live-action film treatment from the studio. However, it’s not going to be a direct adaptation.
According to Deadline , What’s Eating Gilbert Grape novelist and screenwriter Peter Hedges has signed on to write a live-action feature that is inspired by Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio . As of right now, Hedges is the only person attached to the film.
While no director or actor has yet to sign on for the live-action, Pinocchio -inspired film, there are many who desperately want to see Glee actor Chris Colfer take the lead role. The 24-year-old Golden Globe-winning actor said a few years ago that he would gladly take the role in a Broadway adaptation. That is, if there was to be one, and if he was offered.
Dear Disney on Broadway, I fully accept your offer to be Pinocchio…as soon as you ask.
— Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer) March 21, 2010
There was even a Facebook group created that called for Disney to offer Colfer the role of Pinocchio. But, as of now, there has not been any discussion about a Broadway version.
With the news breaking about the live-action Pinocchio film in development, the Colfer fans began pleading again for the actor to take the lead role. Many left comments on Variety’s write-up of the story, and a lot of them took to Twitter , as well.
Have we started “Chris Colfer for Pinocchio” riots yet — grumpy!Monika (@moishpain) April 9, 2015
Can Chris Colfer play Pinocchio please, he is literally perfect for the role — Annabelle (@fabulouscolfer) April 8, 2015
Colfer has yet to respond to the idea of the live-action Pinocchio film, or if he wants a role in it. But he did once pose for a photo with the character, and the similarities are certainly noticeable.
I don’t want to watch any live-action Pinocchio movie of @chriscolfer isn’t in it. pic.twitter.com/R61rxuMc9Z
— Alex Bailey (@caro_2907_ps) April 9, 2015
This is not the only adaptation of Pinocchio in the works. Deadline adds that Guillermo del Toro is working on a “darker version” that will be done with stop-motion animation.
The Inquisitr reported in 2013 that Robert Downey Jr. was attached to star in a live-action version of Pinocchio , which was to be directed by Ben Stiller. But there has been no recent updates on that project.
Pinocchio is the latest film to get the live-action treatment from Disney. The studio is also in talks to do live-action updates of Winnie the Pooh , Dumbo , Mulan , Beauty and the Beast , and The Jungle Book .
[Image credit: Walt Disney via Fanpop ]
