Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’ Film Coming: Fans Calling For Chris Colfer To Play Lead Role
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]
