Paul Thomas Anderson Won't Be Directing Robert Downey Jr.'s ‘Pinocchio’

Earlier this year, overly earnest Paul Thomas Anderson fans were faintly scandalized when word emerged he was writing and might possibly direct Robert Downey Jr.‘s long brewing “Pinocchio” movie. Fans wondered how Anderson could go from making a Thomas Pynchon adaptation to a fairy tale movie, but it’s not so outside the realm of possibility. Of course, Anderson showed himself to be a fan of Robert Altman‘s “Popeye,” lifting a song for his own “Punch Drunk Love,” and in general, his tastes aren’t just relegated to the arty. Nonetheless, he won’t be doing the gig.

Jeff Sneider of The Wrap tweeted last night that Anderson won’t be helming “Pinocchio.” No word as to why, but I’d guess having more people to answer to in a major studio environment at Warner Bros., for what would be a decidedly more mainstream picture, probably wasn’t that enticing. No word yet on the status of his screenplay and if it’ll be used or if Downey Jr. and co. will get someone else to take a pass at it. My guess is that whichever director comes on board will want to take a run at it to position the material to something closer to their own voice.

READ MORE: Review: Paul Thomas Anderson-Directed Video For Joanna Newsom’s ‘Divers’

So, count out Anderson for “Pinocchio.” No word yet on what his next project might be, but after a year spent making two Joanna Newsom videos, and a music documentary, the guy deserves to put his feet up for a bit.