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Guillermo Del Toro Will Direct Netflix 'Pinocchio'

Guillermo Del Toro Will Direct Netflix 'Pinocchio'

The new musical, stop-motion flick also has The Jim Henson Company on board

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro has been signed up to direct Netflix stop-motion retelling of classic kid's tale Pinocchio.

The movie, which tells the story of a wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy, will also be written and produced by del Toro.

Streaming giant Netflix has recently given the go ahead for the musical, stop-motion flick, which is reportedly going to be set in Italy during the 1930s when fascism was on the up as tyrannical Benito Mussolini took control of the country. So quite a different direction than Disney took with the story, then.


In a statement, del Toro said: "No art form has influenced my life and my work more than animation and no single character in history has had as deep of a personal connection to me as Pinocchio.

"In our story, Pinocchio is an innocent soul with an uncaring father who gets lost in a world he cannot comprehend. He embarks on an extraordinary journey that leaves him with a deep understanding of his father and the real world. I've wanted to make this movie for as long as I can remember."

Del Toro's The Shape of Water scooped the coveted best picture gong at this year's Oscars and he has previously worked on the nightmare fuel that was Pan's Labyrinth and The Devil's Backbone.

The Jim Henson Company is also working on the film, which will feature puppets made by Mackinnon & Saunders, who previously worked on the super-creepy The Corpse Bride.


Melissa Cobb, Netflix's vice president of kids and family said in a statement: "Throughout his distinguished career, Guillermo has exhibited mastery in inspiring people through his magical worlds filled with unforgettable and magnificent characters, from the monsters in Pan's Labyrinth to the aquatic beast in The Shape of Water.

"We are incredibly excited to expand our relationship with Guillermo and we know that his deeply touching vision for bringing Pinocchio to life on Netflix will be embraced by audiences the world over."

Del Toro has also been signed up by Netflix to work on upcoming series Guillermo del Toro Presents 10 After Midnight.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film, US Entertainment, Netflix