Guillermo del Toro’s PINOCCHIO finally happening at Netflix

pinocchio

Guillermo del Toro’s long gestating PINOCCHIO project is finally becoming a reality – at Netflix.

Variety reports that del Toro will be co-directing the film along with Mark Gustafson (THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX) and will be co-scripting with Patrick McHale (OVER THE GARDEN WALL).  Long-time GDT collaborator Guy Davis will be serving as co-production designer.

Guillermo’s interest in the classic tale was first reported back in 2008, when he got the idea while filming the stop motion puppet sequence in HELLBOY 2.  The inspiration for the character design comes from Gris Grimley’s illustrations in Carlo Collodi’s original story.

“No art form has influenced my life and my work more than animation and no single character in history has had as deep of a personal connection to me as Pinocchio,” said del Toro in a statement. “In our story, Pinocchio is an innocent soul with an uncaring father who gets lost in a world he cannot comprehend. He embarks on an extraordinary journey that leaves him with a deep understanding of his father and the real world. I’ve wanted to make this movie for as long as I can remember.”

Guillermo’s take on PINOCCHIO will undoubtedly be a darker fairy tale than the classic Disney version.  GDT’s story will have 1930’s Italy and the rise of fascism as a backdrop, which is familiar territory for him. PAN’S LABYRINTH and THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE both hit upon fascist themes.  In addition, one might presume that some of the less savory elements of the original PINOCCHIO tale that were scrubbed by Disney might resurface – wouldn’t that be interesting?

Per Variety, Del Toro will collaborate on PINOCCHIO with the Jim Henson Company, the company behind THE DARK CRYSTAL and ShadowMachine, the creator of BOJACK HORSEMAN. Lisa Henson, ShadowMachine’s Alex Bulkley, Corey Campodonico, and Gary Ungar of Exile Entertainment will produce the film. Blanca Lista will co-produce it.  The film represents del Toro’s continued partnership with Netflix, which includes TROLLHUNTERS, 3BELOW and the upcoming GUILLERMO DEL TORO PRESENTS 10 AFTER MIDNIGHT.