Disney has released the new teaser trailer for its live-action Pinocchio remake, and Tom Hanks has never looked more suited to a role.
It’s already been months since the studio released its first images of the new film. Now audiences have been treated to a nearly two-minute peek of the upcoming remake. It starts with a wall full of clocks ticking and then carpenter Geppetto makes a wish.
Something magical happens – a giant blue sparkling light flies through the window as the carpenter sleeps. We don’t get to see what has taken place, but Jiminy Cricket, dressed in a purple suit and top hat, looks up at something, surprised.
It looks like there are going to be some major antics. There’s a gaggle of adventurous children, Geppetto on a boat, a giant seagull, and a fairy (played by the inimitable Cynthia Erivo). There is, however, an absolutely giant hole in the teaser trailer: there’s no sign of the puppet-boy until the very final scene, and even then, we only get a glance at his outline.
The technique works. After the trailer is finished you can’t help wanting to watch more – more Hanks, who looks incredibly comfortable as the cherished character – and way more Pinocchio.
Here’s the first star you’ll see today! 🤩💫 Check out this brand-new poster for #Pinocchio! pic.twitter.com/boiqSVa5DH
— Disney (@Disney) May 31, 2022
The film is being directed by Robert Zemeckis, who is best known for films like Back to the Future, Death Becomes Her, Forrest Gump and The Polar Express.
In addition to Erivo, cast members joining Hanks include Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast, The Girl on the Train), Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Flora & Ulysses, Son of a Critch) and Keegan-Michael Key (The Lion King, Get Out).
The film follows the story of a lonely woodworker who builds a wooden puppet wishing it was a real boy. And, well, given the sparkling blue light, the fairy and the surprised cricket it’s likely you have guessed the next part if you don’t already know it.
The original tale was written in 1883 by Carlo Collodi and was then adapted for Disney’s 1940 animation. It will once again enjoy a reimagining for this Autumn 2022 release.
If these live-action remakes are your cup of tea, Disney also has more in the works, with Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and Snow White all set to come out over the next year or two.
The films are a major cash cow – the first, 2010’s Alice in Wonderland, made over $1 billion at the box office. Since then Disney has made 18 more live-action remakes, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Maleficent, 101 Dalmations, The Jungle Book and Mulan.
This latest production of Pinocchio has all the elements of another smash hit. Now, we just have to wait: Pinocchio will be coming to Disney+ on September 8.
