Continuing the Disney tradition of creating live-action films out of its catalog of animated classics, the first look at the upcoming adaptation of “Pinocchio” was released this morning on “Good Morning America.”
This version of the story of a puppet who yearns to become a real boy is based on the 1940 Disney classic of the same name, which itself was based on the 1883 Italian book “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” by Carlo Collodi.
In this 2022 film, Disney Legend Tom Hanks plays Geppetto, the kind-hearted and lonely woodcarver who builds and raises Pinocchio as if he were his real son.
Newcomer Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voices Pinocchio, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt voices Jiminy Cricket.
Cynthia Erivo plays the Blue Fairy who attempts to grant Pinocchio’s wish, and Luke Evans is The Coachman who owns and operates Pleasure Island (a place familiar to long-time visitors to Walt Disney World…sigh).
Also cast are Keegan-Michael Key as the voice of the red fox “Honest” John Worthington Foulfellow, and Lorraine Bracco as the voice of Sofia the Seagull.
Directing the film is Robert Zemeckis, who also collaborated with Hanks on the hit films “Forrest Gump” (1994), “Cast Away” (2000), and “The Polar Express” (2004).
Alan Silvestri, a recurring collaborator of Zemeckis’, will compose the score for the film, which will include several new songs, along with the classic “When You Wish Upon a Star”, which will be performed by Erivo’s Blue Fairy.
You know the story, and now you know the players. Take a look at the teaser for Disney’s live-action “Pinocchio”:
Yup, this one looks like it’s going to tug a few heartstrings.
“Pinocchio” is scheduled to debut on Disney+ on September 8, 2022.
Let us know what you think of the film after watching the trailer. Will you and your family be watching?
