Guillermo del Toro to Write and Direct Stop-Motion Pinocchio for Netflix…

The incredible Guillermo del Toro basically won all the awards last year after his work on Shape of Water. He’s been circling the project for some time now, but Guillermo del Toro will finally be jumping over to Netflix to work on his next movie—a stop-motion adaptation of the classic Pinocchio.

ABOVE: Back in the day, Pinnochio, Walt Disney Pictures

Talking to Collider, del Toro explained:

“No art form has influenced my life and my work more than animation and no single character in history has had as deep of a personal connection to me as Pinocchio. In our story, Pinocchio is an innocent soul with an uncaring father who gets lost in a world he cannot comprehend. He embarks on an extraordinary journey that leaves him with a deep understanding of his father and the real world.”

Joining del Toro will be Over the Garden Wall creator Patrick McHale, who will serve as co-writer of the movie. Mark Gustafson is also attached to co-direct. The production is going to be under the Jim Henson company with Shadowmachine (BoJack Horseman) housing the stop-motion animation production.

It’s also worth mentioning that Corpse Bride puppet builders Mackinnon and Sanders will be making the models for this film as well. Production begins this fall. It’s worth noting that Nick Cave was previously attached to score the film when it was first announced back in 2011.

Though most people are familiar with the Disney version of Pinocchio, this version is said to be based on the Gris Grimly version of the character.

Knowing del Toro, it absolutely fits his aesthetic, and it would make for one perfect stop-motion animation film.

Previously, del Toro collaborated with Netflix on the Emmy-winning Trollhunters, whose next chapter, 3 Below, bows on December, with Wizards to follow in 2019. He also carved out the forthcoming anthology series, Guillermo del Toro Presents 10 After Midnight. And let’s not forget, he’s also attached as a co-writer for next year’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.