Rainbow updates Pinocchio in CGI

Italy’s Rainbow Group is working on a CGI animated re-telling of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio, which will see the famous wooden puppet brought into the 21st Century.

Pinocchio & Friends

Pinocchio & Friends (26×12′) is set to debut on the small screen in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will transport the classic character, created in 1883, into “today’s world of bustle and smartphones,” Rainbow said.

Described as a “contemporary, irreverent and absolutely charming children’s series,” Rainbow is currently previewing the pilot to broadcasters.

“Pinocchio is the best-loved Italian character ever created in our fairytale literature, and Rainbow Group’s roots are here in Italy. Throughout my career, I have been waiting for the right moment to bring this concept to light with the attention to detail and quality it deserves,” said Iginio Straffi, founder and CEO of Rainbow Group.

“Now that I have my chance, I won’t hesitate to reveal a contemporary Pinocchio who speaks to children in a light-hearted, educational show that empowers their dreams.”

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro is working with The Jim Henson Company on a stop-motion animated musical based on the classic tale, which is due for release on Netflix next year.