Tim Burton’s ‘Pinocchio’ Might Have a Writer

Tim Burton’s wish upon a star might finally be coming true as his long-gestating Pinocchio project seems to be advancing along the pre-production phase with today’s announcement.  According to THR, negotiations are underway to secure Jane Goldman (X-Men: First Class) to pen the script.  Burton is expected to direct and Robert Downey Jr. is rumored to be all set as the puppet’s creator, Gepetto.

Pinocchio was originally written by Carlo Collodi as the story of a lonely man named Gepetto who creates a wooden puppet that he wishes to be his own son.  Pinocchio went on to become an instant classic when Disney turned it into the 1940 animated feature length film.  There have been other versions made since then and even has a stop-motion version being created by Guillermo del Toro.

Although no firm commitment or deal is actually in place for any of the names attached, it would appear that getting Goldman is meant to send the signal that the film is definitely a go.  Hollywood loves turning old stories, or more appropriately, brand names, into new revenue sources and with the entire world already knowing the name of Pinocchio, then you can be sure that Warner Bros. will do whatever it takes to get this film made.