Guillermo del Toro is directing a stop motion musical ‘Pinocchio’ movie for Netflix.
The ‘Shape of Water’ filmmaker is delighted to have joined forces with the streaming service for the forthcoming animation as he has a "deep personal connection" to the story of the titular puppet boy, who makes his own way in the real world, and has always been his dream gig.
The Academy Award-winner 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."
Melissa Cobb, Vice President of kids and family at Netflix, added: "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 creature 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."
It was previously reported that Guillermo was deciding what his next project will be and had the choice of a ‘Pinocchio’ adaptation for Warner Bros. Pictures. or a big screen version of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel ‘The Witches’ and two other secret stories.
He said: "I’m eating, drinking and thinking philosophically (about four projects). I have given myself until September to decide, then I will pick one of the four and prepare to make it."
In April, Guillermo signed an exclusive deal with DreamWorks Animation to write, produce and direct family movies for the studio.
He previously worked as a creative consultant on animated movies such as ‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ and ‘Megamind’.
It’s not known if the director will still helm the Warner production of the Disney fairytale, which originally hit screens in 1940.
Guillermo del Toro directing Pinocchio musical for Netflix
