Tim Burton has been planning his live-action remake of Disney’s Dumbo for quite a while now and it looks like he may have found actors to play the human leads. Sources say that Will Smith and Tom Hanks are in talks for the film, with Hanks eyed to star as the villain, a rare role for him in his career.
Nothing has been confirmed yet for Smith, but reports say he is in early talks and is interested in the role. However, Variety notes that if Smith did sign on for Dumbo, it could negatively effect the production for Bad Boys for Life, the third film in the Bad Boys franchise. The film was set to begin production in March this year, directed by Joe Carnahan. If Smith does decide to take the role in Dumbo, Bad Boys for Life would face yet another delay.
Hanks is being sought to portray the villain, but he similarly faces a conflict. Hanks may choose to film Greyhound over Dumbo, a World War II drama written by Hanks with Aaron Schneider as director. He would portray a Naval officer given command of a destroyer while he has to contend with keeping his ship and crew alive from German ships.
With both actors having other projects on their slate, we should hear fairly soon if Smith and Hanks will join Burton’s film. In the meantime, Burton will be directing with a script written by Ehren Kruger.
Originally published January 12, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
