Continuing to remake their entire animated classics into live-action films, Walt Disney Studios has hired director Paul King to take on the latest adaptation of “Pinocchio.” Being produced by Chris Weitz and Andrew Miano, the film, which was first released back in 1940,will be the latest to be remade. Sam Mendes, who was first attached to direct the film and known for directing American Beauty, dropped out of helming the film sometime last year.

“Pinocchio” now follows other previous Disney animated classics that have been adapted into live-action form. These include: “Alice in Wonderland”, “Maleficent” (inspired by “Sleeping Beauty”), “Cinderella”, “The Jungle Book”, and “Beauty and The Beast.” Since all of the previous live-action films have been successful at the box-office, it’s no surprise that the studio will continue the trend of remaking their animated classics in hopes of recapturing the magic that older fans have experienced and for future generations to enjoy. Other adaptations slated to be released from Disney include “The Lion King”, “Dumbo”, and “Aladdin.”

King has acquired success with both of his previous directed films on the character Paddington, and with being acclaimed by both critics and audiences alike, the people at Disney were quick to land him for the director’s chair. To continue his directorial duties on family films, King is slated to take on the re-imagining of the story of “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” with the film being simply called “Willy Wonka.” In the meantime, “Pinocchio” has yet to land a release date.