'Pinocchio' is one of many live-action adaptations which Disney is currently working on and Mendes, who previously directed two James Bond pics, may helm the project.
- May 23, 2017
AceShowbiz - "Skyfall" and "Spectre" director Sam Mendes is in early talks to direct Disney's "Pinocchio (2017)" live-action. According to Deadline, the current version of the script is written by Chris Weitz, who will also produce the movie through his production company Depth of Field.
Variety later reports that Mendes has not fully committed to helm "Pinocchio" yet, for he still has a commitment to his West End play "The Ferryman". He hasn't been able to meet with the studio executives either. Last year, Mendes was attached to direct "James and the Giant Peach" remake for Disney, but he is no longer on board to helm the project.
The original animated version of "Pinocchio" was released in 1940. It was based on Carlo Collodi's children book "The Adventures of Pinocchio", which follows a puppet and a poor woodcarver. "Pinocchio" is one of many live-action adaptations which Disney is currently working on. Among the projects developed by the studio are "The Lion King (2019)", which is directed by Jon Favreau, and Tim Burton's "Dumbo". Also in the mix are "The Little Mermaid (2019)", "Aladdin" and "Mulan (2019)".
Mendes directed critically-acclaimed "American Beauty" back in 1999. He also helmed "Revolutionary Road", which reunited Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in 2008, and directed James Bond pics "Skyfall" and "Spectre" in 2009 and 2012 respectively.
