Back in February of last year it was announced that Disney had enlisted Paddington and Paddington 2 director Paul King to helm its live-action Pinocchio remake, but now comes word that King has exited the project, leaving the film’s status up in the air.
“I don’t think it’s a secret anymore, but the film has been cancelled over the holidays, over Christmas,” cinematographer Seamus McGarvey tells Discussing Film. “The director basically pulled out of the film, for um, family reasons. Disney are trying to find a new director, but yeah I read those reports that Tom Hanks and all those other people, but yeah, they’re trying to get it going.”
The reports that McGarvey refers to is December’s claim that Tom Hanks was in talks to portray Geppetto, the puppeteer who creates the wooden boy.
SEE ALSO: Paddington 3 in the works, but Paul King unlikely to direct
Along with Pinocchio, King had also signed on to direct Warner Bros.’ Willy Wonka prequel movie last year, and whether he remains attached to that project is unclear at present.
Originally published January 14, 2019. Updated January 13, 2019.
