According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks is in early talks to play Gepetto in Disney's live-action adaptation of Pinocchio.
Channel 24 South Africa says Paddington director Paul King will helm the film.
The project is part of Disney's successful strategy adapting its beloved animated films into live-action versions.
One possible complication for any deal is Hanks' next gig, the Amblin sci-fi project Bios.