Press release from The Jim Henson Company:
Hollywood, CA – Guillermo Del Toro will co-direct Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio with Mark Gustafson (Animation Director on THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX). The Jim Henson Company production will be a 3D stop-motion animated version of PINOCCHIO based on the edition of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale illustrated by Gris Grimly. Inferno will represent the property to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.
Del Toro most recently served as executive producer of DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda 2 and the upcoming Rise of the Guardians as well as creative consultant on Megamind. Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio marks his first turn helming an animated feature.
With a story by Del Toro, his frequent collaborator Matthew Robbins, and Gris Grimly, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio is a retelling of one of the world’s best-loved tales. The puppet Pinocchio embarks on a series of extraordinary and thrilling adventures, proving himself to be as indestructible as his love for his father. Robbins wrote the screenplay for the project.
Lisa Henson will produce for The Jim Henson Company with Del Toro and Jason Lust. Grimly and Gary Ungar will serve as executive producers, as will Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel of Inferno. Veteran rock musician and film composer Nick Cave will serve as music consultant for the production.
“Guillermo has been so passionate about this project from its inception and it is an honor to have him bring his unique blend of live action and animation experience to this well-loved story, collaborating with the talented Mark Gustafson,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company.
“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 will have tremendous worldwide box office appeal,” said Inferno’s Co-Chairman Bill Johnson. Added Jim Seibel, Co-Chairman of Inferno, “This is an exciting opportunity for both Inferno and the international distributors to be in business with filmmakers of this pedigree.”