The classic puppet Pinocchio is set to be given a horror makeover in the upcoming horror Pinocchio: Unstrung, but this is not the first time that the puppet has received horror treatment. This upcoming movie is set to give audiences a new, frightening glimpse at the puppet who wishes to become a real boy. Early images released of the upcoming slasher have guaranteed a different take on the popular story written by Carlo Collodi.

Pinocchio: Unstrung is one of several movies that is part of Rhys Frake-Waterfield’s Twisted Child Universe, a movie franchise that began with the release of the controversial Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey in 2023. These movies offer horror remakes of classic children’s stories that have entered the public domain. Pinocchio: Unstrung is set to be released by the end of 2024; but there was another movie that gave the little puppet the horror treatment, more than 28 years ago.

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Pinocchio’s Revenge Was The First Pinocchio Horror Film

It Was Released Direct-to-Video in 1996

The first horror retelling of Pinocchio was released back in 1996 with the psychological horror film Pinocchio’s Revenge. Written and directed by Kevin S. Tenney, the movie takes place five years after serial killer Vincent Gotto was caught trying to bury the body of his son; he now awaits his execution with his lawyer, Jennifer, fighting his case. Among the pieces of evidence collected is a wooden puppet named Pinocchio that was found with the body, leading Jennifer to question the killer’s guilt. The puppet inadvertently falls into the hands of Jennifer’s young daughter, Zoe, who forms a dangerous bond with the toy. It isn’t long before Zoe starts exhibiting unusual behavior and Jennifer wonders if it has anything to do with the Pinocchio puppet.

Pinocchio’s Revenge was structured closely to the first draft story of Child’s Play; in the original Child’s Play screenplay written by Don Mancini, there was the lingering question of whether the doll had truly been possessed by the spirit of a serial killer, or if the child was responsible for the string of murders (via AIPT Comics). As it was initially released direct-to-video, Pinocchio’s Revenge didn’t receive much media attention, but in the years following its release, it has gained a following and has been regarded as a psychological horror that offers insight into the mindset of a disturbed child and explores her pain through the eyes of her puppet friend (via Bloody Disgusting).

Pinocchio Unstrung Will Offer A Horror Retelling of The Story

The Horror Movie Focuses on The Original Story By Carlo Collodi

In January 2024, it was announced that Jagged Edge Productions would be adapting the story of Pinocchio into a horror film as an expansion of Rhys Frake-Waterfield’s Twisted Childhood Universe. Pinocchio is one of several characters in the public domain that are being given a horror makeover; it was also announced that classic tales Bambi and Peter Pan would be getting horror remake movies.

Similarly to other entries in the Twisted Childhood Universe, this upcoming horror film will focus on remaking the original story written by Carlo Collodi. The original story is already a horror story on its own, as seen by its frightening depictions of Pleasure Island, its terrible curse on boys, and the whale encounter, but this upcoming movie could certainly increase the terror aspect of the tale.

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Will Pinocchio Unstrung Be Better Than Pinocchio’s Revenge?

The Horror Remakes in the TCU Have Received a Mixed Reception So Far

As of March 2024, no production or cast has been announced for Pinocchio: Unstrung. It is set to be released by the end of 2024, so audiences will have to wait and see how this horror movie will work out. So far, the Twisted Child Universe movies have received a mixed-to-negative reception from audiences. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey was regarded by many as one of the worst movies ever made, while its sequel was seen as a significant improvement.

Similar to the movies released in the TCU so far, Pinocchio’s Revenge didn’t receive many good reviews upon its initial release, but in the years since, it has gained a cult following. With a good screenplay and casting, Pinocchio: Unstrung could rise to the same heights of success as the Blood and Honey movies. The success of this upcoming movie cannot be predicted yet, but if Jagged Productions follows its plans, Pinocchio: Unstrung could offer a better horror remake than its predecessor 28 years ago.

Sources: AIPT Comics, Bloody Disgusting

Pinocchio: Unstrung

From the studio behind public domain horror films such as Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey comes Pinocchio: Unstrung. This horror-thriller film is expected to arrive in 2024 and will be a new, terrifying take on the original puppet trying to become a real boy.

Studio(s)

Jagged Edge Productions

Distributor(s)

ITN Studios , Premiere Entertainment Group