Italian
Horror legends unite for twisted ‘Pinocchio’ adaptation
Classic horror icons take on new roles
Robert Englund, the legendary actor immortalized as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, has landed a new chilling role in ‘Pinocchio: Unstrung’. This latest venture comes from the innovative team behind the low-budget hit Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. In this new franchise, Richard Brake, renowned for his collaborations with Rob Zombie and performances in Barbarian and Mandy, joins the cast as Geppetto.
Masterful practical effects
A crucial element that sets Pinocchio: Unstrung apart is the creation of a fully practical Pinocchio doll designed by Todd Masters, an Emmy-winning special effects artist known for his work on Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight and Child’s Play. Masters notes his excitement, stating, “Bringing this puppet to life with practical effects allows for a truly gnarly and fun adaptation of the classic tale.”
A reimagined nightmare
Directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield and produced by Scott Jeffrey of Jagged Edge Productions, this film promises to flip the familiar story on its head. As Rhys mentioned, “Our movie takes everything you know about Pinocchio and turns it upside down. The focus on practical effects enhances the visceral experience for the audience.”
Meet the cast and crew
The production continues with Vince Knight as director of photography, capturing the dark, twisted essence of the storyline. The film narrates the journey of young James as he uncovers his grandfather Geppetto’s deadly secret: Pinocchio. The cast includes Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, Jack Art Gray, and Peter De Souza-Feighoney, who bring depth and nuance to their roles.
Building the twisted childhood universe
Pinocchio: Unstrung is not just an isolated project; it is part of the broader Twisted Childhood Universe. This universe includes other sinister reimaginings like Bambi: The Reckoning and the Blood and Honey features. Eventually, these narratives are set to converge in a spectacular “Poohniverse Monsters Assemble” crossover event, akin to the Avengers but with a nightmarish twist.
Industry anticipation
Currently in production, Pinocchio: Unstrung is being distributed by ITN Studios and marketed by Premiere Entertainment. The film is expected to hit theaters in summer 2025, promising an R-rated, unique depiction of the beloved character, overflowing with a high kill count and practical gore.
A daring new script
Brake is thrilled with the script, remarking, “The dark, twisted, and gory script is also very funny at times. Fans are in for a wild ride with the incredible practical effects created by Todd Masters and his team.” This unique blend of horror and dark humor promises a fresh take on a story that has fascinated audiences for over a century.
Cultivating horror expertise
The dedication to practical effects in this production underscores a deeper trend in the horror industry. There is a growing appreciation for tangible, on-set effects that offer a level of authenticity often lacking in CGI-heavy films. As horror veterans, both Englund and Brake bring a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of what makes a horror film resonate with audiences beyond just the jump scares.
For those keen on following the latest developments in the film, check out the trailer for Pinocchio: Unstrung and stay tuned for more updates.
If you’re a fan of horror reimaginings and practical effects, make sure to share this article with your friends or follow us for the latest in the Twisted Childhood Universe. Prepare yourselves for a cinematic experience that will challenge everything you thought you knew about Pinocchio.
