Pinocchio is going to be a Real Boy in Disney’s live-action adaptation, but it won’t be Sam Mendes pulling the strings.
In non-The Lion King news (I know, I’m upset too), Disney is working on a live-action Pinocchio.
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With a script by Rogue One‘s Chris Weitz, the plan was for Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes to take the reins, but according to The Tracking Board, that is no longer the case.
Collider speculates that Mendes’ departure could have something to do with the upcoming James Bond movie and, although Mendes has previously stated that he was done with Bond, the allure of Daniel Craig returning (and it being the 25th anniversary movie) might be enough to bring him back in contention.
As for Pinocchio, well, the game is wide open. Seeing as every single live-action Disney adaptation barring Mulan has been or will be directed by a man, however, might we dare to hope that they bring a female director on board for this one?