The upcoming horror film Pinocchio: Unstrung promises to bring a twisted new take on the classic tale. Horror icons Robert Englund and Richard Brake have joined the cast, marking a major milestone in the growing Poohniverse, a cinematic universe that reimagines childhood favorites as horror icons.
In Pinocchio: Unstrung, Robert Englund, best known for his chilling portrayal of Freddy Krueger, will lead the cast. Alongside him is Richard Brake, a frequent face in horror films, portraying Geppetto. The animatronic puppet of Pinocchio, crafted by Emmy-winning artist Todd Masters, adds a terrifyingly realistic element to the story.
The story centers on James, the son of Geppetto, who brings Pinocchio into the world. However, this is not the innocent puppet we know; Pinocchio has his own moral code and hunts down anything he considers “bad.” The film joins the “Twisted Childhood Universe,” or “Poohniverse,” an ambitious horror universe created by Rhys Frake-Waterfield. Previous releases include Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, and upcoming films will bring horror versions of Peter Pan and Bambi to the screen.
As horror continues to explore new ground by reimagining classic characters, Pinocchio: Unstrung shows how even timeless tales can get a sinister twist. With the iconic cast and eerie animatronics, fans of horror and the macabre have plenty to anticipate.
The idea of giving beloved children's characters a horror makeover is undeniably intriguing. Robert Englund's involvement adds a touch of classic horror, and Richard Brake's portrayal of Geppetto is sure to bring depth to this twisted tale. The inclusion of an animatronic puppet instead of CGI could bring a fresh, tangible terror that many recent horror films miss. However, while the concept of a “Twisted Childhood Universe” is interesting, there's a fine line between creative reinterpretation and shock value. Hopefully, the film strikes a balance that will make it memorable without feeling gratuitous.
Would you be interested in seeing classic children's characters reimagined as horror icons? Or do you think it's a step too far?
