Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’

Netflix’s remake of a Disney classic

STELLA SCHNEIDER / ASST. A&C EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

Guillermo del Toro is a popular Mexican director, author and actor. Having won six Academy Awards in the past 15 years, del Toro has made his mark as a filmmaker. Some of his most famous works include “The Shape of Water,” “Pan’s Labyrinth” and his most recent movie, “Nightmare Alley.” Many are anticipating his newest film — which is coming to Netflix in early December — “Pinocchio.” 

Del Toro is most known for his fantastical and dark approach to film. By taking on a classic children’s story, many wonder how his style will alter the already popular tale. This will be del Toro’s first time working on an animated film. Retelling a story like “Pinocchio” in this manner is considered more unconventional. 

While this remake has already garnered positive attention, fans of the original movie question what a remake will do for the story. Set in 1930s Fascist Italy, this story will be more faithful to the darkness of Carlo Collodi’s original story; with del Toro’s work, the movie will also have a fresh and equally dark style attached to the tale.

Netflix is known for creating the same story time after time, and because of Disney’s release of a similar “Pinocchio” earlier this year with Tom Hanks in the leading role, there are some questions around the necessity for yet another retelling. 

USD junior Avery Leininger casts some doubts about the new movie.

“Everyone is constantly making more and more remakes of the same story, and sure, maybe this director will be better, but does that matter?”

A fundamental difference between the two movies lies in the directors and their values. Disney’s new “Pinocchio” movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis, centers around the same heartwarming story that people have come to love — something that Disney is known for. 

As for del Toro and Netflix’s approach, the story contains a more grim retelling. This honors more of the original story, written by Carlo Collodi in 1883. The original story’s dark plot and even darker ending is unlike most fairytale-endings in current Disney and animated stories. 

Now,  years later, having a director known for his dark elements, the new animated “Pinocchio” could include a somber ending. 

USD senior Isaiah Robinson reflects on del Toro’s work, and how it could affect the story of “Pinocchio.” 

“I think ‘Pinocchio’ through the eyes of [Guillermo del Toro] is going to be kinda dark and cool. I’m excited to watch it,”  Robinson said.

The Netflix version of “Pinocchio,” will feature the wooden puppet coming to life in stop-motion and hurting those around him as he wrestles with his father’s unrealistic expectations. The competing movie, also entitled “Pinocchio,” is available to watch on Disney+. With its initial release in September, audiences were not extremely interested and left the movie with a 28% rotten tomatoes. There is hope that del Toro’s version of the movie will acquire larger audiences because of his different, more grim approach.

The cast consists of many well-known actors and actresses, which further excites fans of “Pinocchio.” With Tilda Swinton, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Ewan McGregor and other popular actors, their voices will bring many of these beloved characters back to life. 

USD junior Jana Dulcich expressed her excitement over the cast.

“I feel like Tilda Swinton is so talented, so her role of a wise fairy makes so much sense,” Dulcich expressed. “She really fits into the fantastical role in this movie, and I think this one will be fun to watch.”

“Pinocchio” will premiere on Netflix starting Dec. 9. With del Toro’s style and tribute to the original story, fans of “Pinocchio” have a new perspective on the popular and nostalgic story.