'Dumbo' Live-Action Movie In The Works; Disney Announces Tim Burton Will Direct

Remember Dumbo? Well, an elephant never forgets and it seems Disney has not forgotten the beloved character. The studio on Tuesday announced plans to bring back “Dumbo” for a live-action remake of its 1941 animated classic. As if that weren't exciting enough for Dumbo fans, it was also announced that the director will be “Big Eyes” director Tim Burton!

According to the Wall Street Journal, Burton, who has experience adapting Disney classics – including 2010's “Alice in Wonderland” – has signed on to direct the “Dumbo” remake, with a mix of live action and CGI. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Ehren Kruger, the writer on the “Transformers” movies, will pen the script, while Justin Springer (“Oblivion”) will join the project as a producer. “Dumbo” is still in development and does not yet have a release date, nor has any casting information been released.

The 1941 “Dumbo” told the story of an outcast elephant who was ridiculed for his oversized ears but then got the last laugh when his big, wing-like ears gave him the ability to fly.

“Dumbo” is just the latest project in a series of planned remakes and reboots by Disney. In addition to “Cinderella,” which premieres in theaters Friday, the studio also has a new “Junglebook” and “Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass” on the docket for next year, as well as a “Beauty and the Beast" remake secheduled for 2017.

Will the new “Dumbo” delight fans as much as the animated original did? Only time will tell, but it will be fun to see the classic character come to life in Tim Burton’s hands.

Are you excited for “Dumbo”? Tweet your thoughts to @Ja9GarofaloTV.