Get ready for a truly twisted take on a childhood classic! Robert Englund, the legendary Freddy Krueger himself, is joining the cast of ”Pinocchio: Unstrung,” the latest slasher sensation from the masterminds behind the viral hit “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.”
Joining Englund is Richard Brake, a horror icon known for his chilling roles in films like “Barbarian” and “Mandy,” who will play the enigmatic Geppetto. “Pinocchio: Unstrung” promises to be a nightmarish reimagining of the beloved tale, shrouded in darkness and drenched in practical gore courtesy of Emmy-winning special effects guru, Todd Masters. Masters, who lent his talents to classics like ”Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight” and the “Child’s Play” franchise, has conjured up a truly terrifying Pinocchio puppet that is sure to haunt your dreams.
Produced by the dynamic duo Rhys Frake-Waterfield and Scott Jeffrey, the team behind the phenomenally successful “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey,” “Pinocchio: Unstrung” is shaping up to be a blood-soaked cinematic event. The film follows young James, who uncovers a horrifying secret about his grandfather, Geppetto: a sinister Pinocchio with a taste for violence. Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, Jack Art Gray, and Peter De Souza-Feighoney round out the talented cast.
“Not only is the script dark, twisted, and gory, but it’s also laugh-out-loud funny in places,” Brake enthused.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the original, somewhat disturbing Pinocchio story,” Masters added. “It’s been thrilling to bring this insidious puppet to life using old-school FX. This version remains true to Pinocchio’s yearning to become a real boy, but the path he takes is gruesomely unexpected and, dare I say, a total blast!”
“Pinocchio: Unstrung” is slated for release in summer 2025 and is already generating buzz among genre fans. This film is destined to become a must-see for horror hounds and those who appreciate a truly unique and unsettling cinematic experience.
Expect a high body count and prepare to see Pinocchio in a way you never thought possible!
This film is part of the “Twisted Childhood Universe,” which includes other spine-chilling reimaginings like “Bambi: The Reckoning” and the “Blood and Honey” series. The franchise is building towards a monumental crossover event, “Poohniverse Monsters Assemble” – an Avengers-like saga that will reunite these iconic, yet decidedly malevolent, childhood figures.
“Our movie completely upends everything you thought you knew about Pinocchio,” teased Frake-Waterfield. “We’ve assembled an incredible cast and crew who are dedicated to bringing this vision to life. We’re relying heavily on practical effects for the gore and creature work. Get ready to meet the Pinocchio nightmares are made of.”
Prepare to be terrified.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Horror Film Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the spine-chilling world of reimagined classics in film. Joining us is horror film expert, Dr. Caroline Sinclair, who’s here to discuss the upcoming release of “Pinocchio: Unstrung.” Caroline, it’s great to have you.
Caroline: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this twisted take on a childhood favorite.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Robert Englund, known for his iconic role as Freddy Krueger, is set to star in “Pinocchio: Unstrung.” How do you think his involvement will shape the film’s atmosphere?
Caroline: Englund’s presence brings an undeniable weight to any horror project. His experience in portraying nightmares will likely elevate the tension in the film. This isn’t just about a familiar face; it’s about channeling the very essence of fear that he perfected in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series. His portrayal of Geppetto could offer a darkly charismatic twist to the character.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective! You mentioned Geppetto—he’s played by Richard Brake, another figure renowned in the horror genre. What do you think this casting choice adds to the film’s narrative?
Caroline: Richard Brake is exceptional at embodying unsettling characters. His roles in films like “Mandy” and “Barbarian” show his ability to evoke genuine terror. By casting him as the grandfather figure, the film is setting the stage for deep psychological horror. This Geppetto may not just be a benign creator of Pinocchio but a source of darkness himself, which aligns with the film’s slasher theme.
Editor: The producers, Rhys Frake-Waterfield and Scott Jeffrey, made waves with “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.” Do you think “Pinocchio: Unstrung” can replicate that viral success?
Caroline: Absolutely! The key to their success lies in their ability to blend nostalgia with horror in a way that captivates audiences. The concept of flipping a cherished tale like Pinocchio into a slasher narrative is bold and provocative. Fans of the original story are likely to be intrigued—and perhaps horrified—by this darker reinterpretation.
Editor: And let’s talk about the special effects, which are being handled by Todd Masters. How crucial are practical effects in creating a horror film’s atmosphere?
Caroline: Practical effects have an authenticity that CGI often lacks. Todd Masters is a master of his craft, and his work on classics like “Child’s Play” and “Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight” speaks for itself. In a film like “Pinocchio: Unstrung,” where the puppet itself takes on a menacing role, practical effects can make the horror feel more visceral and real, enhancing the audience’s connection to the terror unfolding on screen.
Editor: You’ve brought up a great point about the puppet. The concept of a sinister Pinocchio sounds both intriguing and terrifying. What do you think audiences can expect from this character?
Caroline: Expect nightmares! A violent Pinocchio subverts the original story’s themes of innocence and childhood wonder. This version promises to explore the darker sides of creation and the consequences of bringing something sinister to life. The horror genre thrives on such subversion, and I’m eager to see how this character develops throughout the film.
Editor: It seems like “Pinocchio: Unstrung” is set to offer quite the experience. As we wrap up, what’s your final take on this reimagining of a treasured tale?
Caroline: I think it’s a bold move that reflects a growing trend in cinema—taking beloved classics and reinterpreting them through a horror lens. It challenges expectations and provides a fresh perspective. I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out; after all, horror has the power to reveal truths about our fears and societal norms, and this could be a fascinating commentary on both.
Editor: Thank you, Caroline! Your insights add depth to our understanding of this exciting project. Fans of horror and classic tales alike certainly have something to look forward to with “Pinocchio: Unstrung.” Until next time!