Burton Leaves Robert Downey Jr. "Pinocchio" Project

According to Deadline, Tim Burton is no longer attached to direct a live-action adaptation of Pinocchio starring Robert Downey, Jr. as Geppetto. This is likely because Burton's next directorial project will be Big Eyes, starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz.

Downey has said that he might be interested in having Ben Stiller direct the film. Dan Jinks is still attached to produce, and Jane Goldman has written the most recent draft of the script.

"Big Fish" Musical on Broadway Oct. 6

The Wrap reports that the musical version of Big Fish will be coming to Broadway on October 6th, where it will play at the Neil Simon Theatre. The production is based on the original novel by Daniel Wallace and the Tim Burton film. Susan Stroman directed the show, with the book written by frequent Tim Burton collaborator John August (screenwriter of Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Frankenweenie, etc.).

The musical will have its world premiere with a five-week engagement beginning April 19 at Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Previews there start April 2.

The cast includes Tony Award-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz ("Catch Me If You Can") as Ed Bloom, the character played by Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor in the movie, and Kate Baldwin ("Finian's Rainbow") as Sandra Bloom, played in the movie by Alison Lohman. Bobby Steggert will take Billy Crudup's role of Will Bloom, and Zachary Unger will play Young Will.

The musical is produced by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, the Nederlander Organization, John Domo and Broadway Across America.

Goldman in Talks to Pen Burton's "Pinocchio"

Screenwriter Jane Goldman (Stardust, Kick-Ass, The Woman in Black) is currently in negotiations to write the script for a new version of Pinocchio, based on the original Carlo Collodi story, says The Hollywood Reporter. Tim Burton is currently attached to direct the Warner Bros. film. Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies) wrote the initial draft.

Warner Bros. is also planning on having Robert Downey, Jr. play the role of Geppetto, the toy maker who creates Pinocchio. In this version, Geppetto embarks on a quest to reunite with his marionette. Dan Jinks is supposed to produce the film (who also worked with Burton as a producer on Big Fish).

"Big Fish" Musical Pre-Broadway Premiere in Chicago

Broadway World has announced that the musical adaptation of Big Fish will have its pre-Broadway premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street) in a limited 5-week engagement beginning performances Tuesday, April 2, 2013, and playing through Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Norbert Leo Butz (pictured above) will headline as the protagonist, Edward Bloom. Big Fish is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman (best known for The Producers), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, a book by John August (who also wrote the screenplay of Tim Burton's 2003 film), and is produced by Academy Award winners Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen.

Burton, Warner Bros. Interested in "Pinocchio" with Robert Downey Jr.?

The Hollywood Reporter states that Warner Bros. and Tim Burton are interested in making a live-action adaptation of Pinocchio, starring Robert Downey Jr. Robert Downey Jr. would play Geppetto, the wood-carver who creates the marionette boy.

Bryan Fuller (creator of TV's Pushing Daisies) has written a treatment for the project, and Dan Jinks (American Beauty, Big Fish) is attached to produce.

However, neither Burton nor Downey Jr. have made deals with Warner Bros. yet, and both men have very busy schedules. Additionally, several other adaptations of Pinocchio are in development from other studios, making stiff competition for Warner Bros.' plans.

"BIg Fish": The Musical

The New York Times' Art Beat reports that Big Fish will be adapted into a Broadway musical, possibly by Spring 2012.

Susan Stroman, the Tony award winning director and choreographer of "The Producers," will direct. The musical also has Andrew Lippa ("The Addams Family") writing the music and lyrics and John August is writing the book for the show. August also wrote the screenplay for the 2003 Tim Burton film.

Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, who produced Burton's film adaptation of Daniel Wallace's novel, will also be producing the Broadway musical.

“John August and Andrew Lippa have taken inspiration from Daniel Wallace’s book and Tim Burton’s movie and completely re-imagined this ambitious story for the stage,” Mr. Jinks said in a statement. Added Mr. Cohen: “Susan Stroman has the artistic vision and talent to bring this tale of reconciliation between a father and son to the stage.”

Cast members and the design team will be announced later.