It’s been a long time since we’ve talked about producer Dan Jinks trying to get a live action version of Pinocchio together over at Warner Bros. So long that many people probably assumed that the project was dead. That’s not the case though. As a matter of fact, it’s probably about to get quite a bit of attention. THR is reporting that none other than Tim F’n Burton has taken an interest in the Pinocchio script, which was written by Pushing Daisies creator Bryan Fuller.
And I know what you’re thinking already…who wants to see a version of Pinocchio starring Johnny Depp as the puppet and Helena Bonham Carter as Geppetto in drag? Don’t be so quick to judge. Early reports don’t say anything about Depp or Carter at all. As a matter of fact, apparently Burton wants Robert Downey Jr. to come on board to be his Italian puppeteer. How’s that for a switch?
Don’t go writing this all in stone though. While talks have begun, neither Burton nor Downey yet have deals with Warners, and whether or not they get made is going to come down to everybody’s schedules synching up. These guys are super busy and Warners reportedly wants to get this movie made as soon as possible, so there is still a chance that it could be moved in a different direction.
Personally, I’m rooting for it all to come together. Say what you will about things like Edward Scissorhands and Ed Wood, but I’ve grown tired of the Burton and Depp pairing, and I would be really interested to see if working with another high profile actor got Burton’s creative juices flowing in any different directions. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. And also, there’s still probably a really good chance that Depp will just play Pinocchio.