Remember Bambi? The wide-eyed, innocent fawn who taught us about life, loss, and the beauty of nature? Well, forget all that. In Bambi: The Reckoning, the beloved deer is reincarnated as a rabid, bloodthirsty predator lurking in the shadows. Jagged Edge Productions, the minds behind the Winnie the Pooh horror films, have unleashed the full trailer for this absurdly dark reimagining, and it's every bit as ridiculous—and strangely compelling—as it sounds.
The film follows Xana (Roxanne McKee) and her son Benji (Tom Mulheron), who find themselves stranded in the wilderness after a car wreck. But their fight for survival takes a horrifying turn when they're hunted by Bambi, now reimagined as a vicious killing machine inspired by the creature design in Netflix's The Ritual. Director Dan Allen, known for his work on B-movies like Unhinged and Mummy Reborn, takes the helm, promising a gritty, unrelenting horror experience.
The screenplay, penned by Rhys Warrington, is based on Felix Salten's original 1928 novel, but don't expect any heartwarming moments. This is Bambi as you've never seen him—a feral, rage-filled beast with a taste for blood. The film is part of Jagged Edge's “Twisted Childhood Universe,” a series of horror films reimagining public domain characters, including Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare and Pinocchio Unstrung.
Originally slated for an October 2024 release, Bambi: The Reckoning has been delayed to summer 2025. While the trailer has sparked mixed reactions, it's clear that this film is aiming for the so-bad-it's-good niche. Will it succeed? Or will it be another forgettable entry in the crowded horror genre?
Cast and Crew Highlights:
- Roxanne McKee as Xana: Known for her roles in Game of Thrones and Hollyoaks, McKee brings a grounded intensity to the film.
- Tom Mulheron as Benji: A rising star in British cinema, Mulheron's performance promises to add emotional weight to the survival thriller.
- Dan Allen (Director): A veteran of low-budget horror, Allen's knack for creating tension on a shoestring budget could elevate this film above its B-movie roots.
Bambi: The Reckoning is either a stroke of genius or a trainwreck in the making—there's no in-between. The concept of turning a childhood icon into a horror villain is undeniably intriguing, but the execution will make or break this film. While the trailer suggests a campy, over-the-top tone, it's unclear whether the film will lean into its absurdity or take itself too seriously.
As a fan of both horror and bold storytelling, I'm cautiously optimistic. The idea of Bambi as a feral, rabies-infested killer is so ludicrous that it might just work. But will it resonate with audiences, or will it be dismissed as another cash grab in the public domain horror trend? Only time will tell.
What do you think—will Bambi: The Reckoning be a cult classic or a forgettable flop? Are you excited to see this twisted take on a childhood favorite, or does it feel like a step too far?
