New life for ‘Pinocchio’

No fibbing: Disney is developing a live-action movie loosely based on “Pinocchio.”

Peter Hedges, the screenwriter of “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and director of “Dan In Real Life,” is writing the script. It’s in the early stages of development and does not have a director attached or a release date. “Pinocchio” is the latest in a barrage of films Disney is adapting from its own animated classics. The studio has had success recently taking its toon favorites and remaking them as live-action movies, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “Maleficent” (based on “Sleeping Beauty”) and “Cinderella.” “Beauty and the Beast” “The Jungle Book,” “Dumbo,” “Mulan” and “Winnie the Pooh” also are in the works.