Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Pinocchio

October 06, 2022

Photos: @tomhanks @robertzemeckisunofficial @disneyplus

Disney’s Pinocchio, based on the 1883 Italian children’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, returns on Disney+ with an exciting cast led by Tom Hanks as Geppetto, the kindhearted but lonely Italian woodcarver and toymaker who builds and raises Pinocchio as if he were his real son; Cynthia Erivo as as The Blue Fairy, who brings Pinocchio to life, and promises to turn him into a real boy if he proves himself brave, truthful, and unselfish; Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the voice of Jiminy Cricket, a cheerful, intelligent, and wisecracking anthropomorphic cricket, who acts as Pinocchio’s “conscience”; and Ben Ainsworth as the voice of Pinocchio.

The classic tale of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who became a real boy first came on the big screen on February 23, 1940. After 82 years, the childhood classic loved by different generations is back and being told in a live-action adaptation.

Disney’s Pinocchio, based on the 1883 Italian children’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, returns on Disney+ with an exciting cast led by Tom Hanks as Geppetto, the kindhearted but lonely Italian woodcarver and toymaker who builds and raises Pinocchio as if he were his real son; Cynthia Erivo as The Blue Fairy, who brings Pinocchio to life, and promises to turn him into a real boy if he proves himself brave, truthful, and unselfish; Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the voice of Jiminy Cricket, a cheerful, intelligent, and wisecracking anthropomorphic cricket, who acts as Pinocchio’s “conscience”; and Ben Ainsworth as the voice of Pinocchio.

Also in the cast are Keegan-Michael Key, Lorraine Bracco, Giuseppe Battiston, Lewin Lloyd, Sheila Atim, Angus Wright, Jamie Demetriou, Kyanne Lamaya, and Luke Evans.

On Entertainment Tonight, Hanks says this about the return of Pinocchio: “The idea of taking on a treasured classic, as Disney’s Pinocchio, it’s an incredibly rich opportunity to revisit and go deeper into this great masterpiece.”

Erivo adds: “It’s a really special story that encourages people to wish and to dream. It’s a wonderful journey full of excitement, wonder, danger. Everything’s larger than life. It’s just an honor to be bringing it to a new generation.”

Film director Robert Zemeckis is the one responsible for bringing the story to life for a new generation of fans which he co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Weitz.

The 70-year old Oscar-winning filmmaker is known for directing the Disney classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and has worked with Hanks in films such as Forrest Gump, Castaway, and The Polar Express.

“Bob is one of these filmmakers who takes you to places beyond your expectation. I think every audience wishes to be transported. That’s the magic of cinema. Great movies last forever. That’s one of the things Pinocchio delivers,” says Hanks.

Gordon-Levitt, who also worked with Zemeckis in the film, The Walk adds: “Pairing Robert Zemeckis with Pinocchio, that’s sort of a match made in heaven.”

Production and development for the live-action of the 1940 animated film Pinocchio was announced on April 8, 2015.

Peter Hedges was reported to be writing the film’s script. On May 22, 2017, it was announced that Chris Weitz will replace Hedges as a screenwriter, as well as serve as a producer, while Sam Mendes was in talks to direct the project. On November 13, 2017, Mendes stepped down as the director.

On February 20, 2018, it was announced that Paul King was set to direct the film. But on January 13, 2019, it was reported that King left the film due to “family reasons.”

On October 18, 2019, Robert Zemeckis was in talks to direct the film. On January 24, 2020, it was confirmed that Zemeckis will direct the film and write a new script with Weitz.

Principal photography began on March 17, 2021, in Cardington Film Studios, England, under the working title Mahogany. Filming was completed in April 2021.

On January 1, 2022, actress Cynthia Erivo shared the first glimpse of her as the Blue Fairy in the upcoming remake. Erivo will also sing the film’s original theme song, “When You Wish Upon A Star”.

Pinocchio debuts Thursday, September 8 on Disney+ as part of the platform’s celebration of Disney+ Day.

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