Guillermo Del Toro is set to try his hand at animation, as he’s going to co-direct Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, a 3D stop-motion animated film with Fantastic Mr. Fox‘s Mark Gustafson for the Jim Henson Co.

Variety is reporting the news, with Del Toro stating he plans to begin production in Summer 2013:

Story will be set in Italy between WWI and WWII. “It was when everyone was behaving like a puppet, except for puppets,” Del Toro said.

As Del Toro is still busy finishing up post-production on Warner Bros.’ Pacific Rim, casting hasn’t really begun yet, although Del Toro has stated he’s considering Tom Waits and Donald Sutherland for roles as Pinocchio’s father and the Fox, respectively.

Lisa Henson will produce for The Jim Henson Company with Del Toro and Jason Lust. Grimly and Gary Ungar will exec produce as will Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel of Inferno. Nick Cave will serve as music consultant.

Inferno plans on putting the project up for sale at Cannes laster this month. Before beginning production, Del Toro plans on working on a re-design of the film.

“We thought the combination of beloved family friendly brands such as Pinocchio and The Jim Henson Company along with the visual and storytelling genius of Guillermo del Toro would have the makings of a film that can have tremendous worldwide box office appeal,” said Bill Johnson, co-chairman of Inferno International.

Are you looking forward to seeing Del Toro’s vision of Pinocchio?