Tom Hanks could possibly carve “Pinocchio” in an upcoming film.
Reach for the sky. Hollywood actor Tom Hanks is rumored to be playing the woodcarver Geppetto in a live-action adaptation of beloved Disney animated classic “Pinocchio.” Although a Deadline article says it is too early to say, the “Forrest Gump” star may be interested after all.
Zemeckis’ Direction
The latest property to be remade by the House of Mouse is the iconic character, the wanting-to-be-a-real-boy Pinocchio, which would be helmed by Oscar-holder and distinguished storyteller Robert Zemeckis. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Disney hired the genius of the “Back to the Future” trilogy to direct and write for the newest adaptation’s script, which was supposed to start filming by year’s end, as planned pre-pandemic.
Tom Hanks in talks to play Geppetto in Disney's #Pinocchio https://t.co/IjUDQnSc2t
— Variety (@Variety) August 5, 2020
Wishing Upon a Star
Deadline also said that the entertainment giant had always wanted Hanks to play the equally beloved Geppetto, the woodcarver who brought Pinocchio to life. It was reported that Disney had approached the lead voice actor of the “Toy Story” franchise, but to no avail. Though it was a different situation back then, when another director was assigned.
However, Zemeckis and Hanks go a long way back. The well-liked comedy-drama feature “Forrest Gump” gave them both their Oscars. They had also collaborated on more projects later on, like the animated Christmas film, “The Polar Express.” So unlike the previous years’ rumors, this one could likely be set in motion. Deadline reports that Hanks, upon reading the script, had reached out to Zemeckis to say that the actor is interested.
Beloved Classic
The classic, originally shown in 1940, was made by Disney’s animation house. It was also among the timeless animated films that was produced by the legendary man himself, Walt Disney. The story was based on the Italian children’s novel by Carlo Collodi called “The Adventures of Pinocchio.”
The animated movie tells of an old man who longs for a son. He then carves Pinocchio to life, who wishes to be a “real boy.”
Meanwhile, Hanks still has responsibilities for another film from Warner Bros., “Elvis Presley.” He had started filming the biopic in Australia months earlier, but he and his wife had contracted the novel coronavirus. The couple have recovered already, and may resume productions in fall.
The adaptation of “Pinocchio” will also be produced by Andrew Miano and Chris Weitz through their company Depth of Field.
