The auteur will write and possibly direct Robert Downey Jr. Read the full article on AICN Robert Downey Jr. has been attached to play Gepetto (and possibly the title character?) in a Warner Bros. PINOCCHIO movie for years now, with Ben Stiller circling to direct at one point. It figures that the project would eventually gain traction due to Downey’s apparent interest, but I didn’t expect this: Paul Thomas Anderson- yes, that Paul Thomas Anderson- will rewrite the current draft by Michael Mitnick, and may sign on to direct. Apparently, “Downey and Anderson are good friends and have been looking to work together for some time.” When they saluted Robert Downey Sr.