Robert Zemeckis in negotiations to direct Disney's 'Pinocchio'

Veteran filmmaker Robert Zemeckis is in early talks to direct Disney's much-anticipated "Pinocchio" live-action movie.

Chris Weitz is penning the script and will also produce the project with his production partner Andrew Miano under their banner Depth of Field.

The 1940 original animated movie revolved around a living puppet who, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy.

"Pinocchio" live-action movie comes after the new versions of "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" had a great run at the global box office.