If the last few years have proven anything, it’s that people sure do love a live-action remake of a classic animated fairy tale. Disney has been making a mint off of this idea, combining state-of-the-art CGI with the tried and true nostalgia. We’ve seen “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Maleficent” prove this time after time. That doesn’t even include the upcoming “The Lion King” and “Mulan.” But Disney isn’t the only studio that can do a live-action fairy tale. This is something that Matteo Garrone would like to prove with his upcoming “Pinocchio.”
We’ve known for a while now that the acclaimed Italian filmmaker was making a live-action “Pinocchio.” However, for a while, it seemed as if the Mouse House would beat him to the punch. Now, as Disney’s “Pinocchio” remake seems to have a hazy future, Garrone is ready to release his version of the classic tale in time for Christmas.
And as seen in the new trailer for the film, Garrone isn’t interested in an overly saturated, technicolor iteration of the tale. Instead, the film looks to combine some incredible visual effects (CGI and practical, no less) to bring the story of a wooden puppet that dreams of being a real boy to life. And as the director has said previously, his version isn’t just a children’s film but is something that will blur the lines of a few different tones including horror.
Garrone’s “Pinocchio” stars Roberto Begnini as the puppet maker Geppetto. He’s joined by the young actor Federico Ielapi as the titular character.
As mentioned, “Pinocchio” is set to be released in Italian cinemas on Christmas Day. However, a worldwide release has yet to be determined. Either way, it’s likely that the world will see Matteo Garrone’s adaptation sometime in late 2019 or 2020.