Ben Stiller in talks to direct Robert Downey Jr.'s 'Pinocchio'

While doing the press circus for Iron Man 3 a couple of weeks ago, Robert Downey Jr. expressed his desire to re-team with his Tropic Thunder director, Ben Stiller, on his developing Pinocchio project. It sounded more like a wishlist than anything especially concrete, but after two successful Sherlock Holmes films, Downey's name holds a lot of sway at Warner Bros., and it sounds like his wish is about to be granted.

Stiller is now in talks to helm Downey's take on Pinocchio, which he had been planning with Tim Burton since last year.  With Burton now out and off directing biopic Big Eyes, Downey is looking to change up their original concept a little bit. There aren't any hard details yet, other than Downey playing the part of Gepetto, who he recently described as a cross between Jake LaMotta and Chico Marx. Is he sure he doesn't want to do this with Burton, because that sounds absolutely daffy.

Talks with writers are only now getting underway, so don't expect to see this any time soon. Then again, Downey's Marvel contract is up so may have a whole lot of extra time on his hands. [Deadline]