Guillermo Del Toro To Write And Direct A Stop-Motion ‘Pinocchio’ Film For Netflix

What is Guillermo del Toro going to do for his follow-up film to the Oscar-winning “The Shape of Water?” That’s been the question on many film fans’ minds in recent months. Would he do another fantasy/horror film? Perhaps make the jump into superhero work? Well, if you guessed a stop-motion animated version of a classic children’s story, then you win!

According to THR, del Toro has signed with Netflix to write, direct, and produce a stop-motion version of “Pinocchio” for the streaming service. If you’ve followed the filmmaker’s career, you know that “Pinocchio” is a project that del Toro has been looking to get off the ground for a while now, and it looks like Netflix is ready to give him the money to finally do it.

READ MORE: ‘Hellboy’ Creator Reveals Reason For Reboot & Why One Scene In The New Film Made Him Say “Holy F-ck”

“No artform 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 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 del Toro isn’t alone on the project, as “Adventure Time” writer Patrick McHale is on board to co-write the feature. Mark Gustafson, who has previously worked on “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” is along to co-direct alongside del Toro.

The director raved about working with Netflix, who has been his partner for the recent series “Trollhunters.” “After the incredible experience we have had on ‘Trollhunters,’ I am grateful that the talented team at Netflix is giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to introduce audiences everywhere to my version of this strange puppet-turned-real-boy,” del Toro said.

Melissa Cobb, VP of kids and family content for Netflix, said, “Throughout his distinguished career, Guillermo has exhibited mastery in inspiring people through his magical worlds filled with unforgettable and magnificent characters, from the monsters in ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to the aquatic beast in ‘The Shape of Water.’ We are incredibly excited to expand our relationship with Guillermo and we know that his deeply touching vision for bringing Pinocchio to life on Netflix will be embraced by audiences the world over.”

As you might expect, Disney is already working on a live-action version of its classic animated film, hiring “Paddington” director Paul King to helm.

No release date is set for del Toro’s “Pinocchio,” but production is slated to begin this fall.