Three rival movies are looking back to the original macabre story

The wooden puppet whose dreams of becoming a real boy have enchanted generations of children since he was created in 19th century Italy is bursting back to life this Christmas.

Almost 80 years since Pinocchio, the toy whose nose grew when he lied, inspired Walt Disney’s cinematic masterpiece, at least three major movies are planned, and the National Theatre is premiering a “spectacular” staging in time for Christmas.

Jeremy Thomas, the Oscar-winning British producer, is making a screen version with Matteo Garrone, the Italian director [ . . .  ]More: Film-makers race to reclaim the dark soul of Pinocchio