Jim Henson Preps 3D Stop-Motion Version of Pinocchio

HOLLYWOOD: Guillermo Del Toro and Mark Gustafson are co-directing the 3D stop-motion feature Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, a production from The Jim Henson Company.

Based on Carlo Collodi’s classic story and illustrated by Gris Grimly, the new Pinocchio will be co-directed by Gustafson, who was the animation director on The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Del Toro is also co-directing. He most recently served as executive producer of DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda 2 and the upcoming Rise of the Guardians.

Lisa Henson will produce for The Jim Henson Company, with Del Toro and Jason Lust. Inferno will represent the property at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

“Guillermo has been so passionate about this project from its inception and it is an honor to have him bring his unique blend of live action and animation experience to this well-loved story, collaborating with the talented Mark Gustafson,” said Lisa Henson, the CEO of The Jim Henson Company.

“We thought the combination of beloved family friendly brands such as Pinocchio and The Jim Henson Company along with the visual and storytelling genius of Guillermo Del Toro would have the makings of a film that will have tremendous worldwide box office appeal,” said Bill Johnson, Inferno’s co-chairman.

Jim Seibel, co-chairman of Inferno, added “This is an exciting opportunity for both Inferno and the international distributors to be in business with filmmakers of this pedigree.”