Disney's live-action
Pinocchio appears to have hit a roadblock and the status of the upcoming adaptation is seemingly in question.
It should first be noted that Disney has not announced anything official as of yet; however, in speaking to
Discussing Film, cinematographer Seamus McGarvey may have spilled the beans on some behind-the-scenes drama.
“I don’t think it’s a secret anymore, but the film has been cancelled over the holidays, over Christmas.
“The director basically pulled out of the film, for um, family reasons. Disney are trying to find a new director, but yeah, I read those reports that Tom Hanks and all those other people, but yeah, they’re trying to get it going.”
Based on McGarvey's comments, it sounds like this is more of a setback than a total cancellation as he seems to suggest. Production on the film was slated to begin next summer, which still may happen, but Disney would first have to find a replacement for King, the filmmaker behind the successful Paddington movies. Two-time Oscar-winning actor Tom Hacks was also attached to the project and in line to play Geppetto.
Although the status of Pinocchio is up in the air right now, Disney still has a full slate of other live-action adaptations either coming soon — Dumbo (March 29), Aladdin (May 24), and The Lion King (July 19) — or in the works. The company is also reportedly working on a live-action movie centered around 101 Dalmations villain Curella de Vil, along with adaptations for Mulan, The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Peter Pan, and The Sword in the Stone.