Meyer voices 'Pinocchio'

Thesp joins Close, Latifah, Marin for Begnini pic

By JUSTIN OPPELAAR

Meyer

Miramax has tapped Breckin Meyer ("Kate & Leopold," "Clueless") to do the English voiceover of the title role in Roberto Benigni's live-action adaptation of "Pinocchio," set to bow Stateside on Christmas Day.

The Italian funnyman himself had been slated to do the translated dialogue himself for the pic, which has grossed more than $25 million to date in Italy. Benigni spent two weeks working on the voiceovers, but wasn't satisfied with them. He and Miramax then decided to go with all English-speaking actors.

Close is Blue Fairy

Glenn Close ("Dangerous Liaisons," "Fatal Attraction") is set to dub the voice of the Blue Fairy, played onscreen by Benigni's wife, Nicoletta Braschi.

Among other thesps already on board to do English-language voices for major characters are Cheech Marin, Kevin James, Queen Latifah and Eddie Griffin.