Despite my initial skepticism about the Poohniverse film’s R-rating, I was pleasantly surprised by its opening scenes featuring intricate animatronic puppets.
Let’s dub them cinematic cat-and-mouse games instead – a series of thrill rides where the stakes are constantly raised and the action never lets up? It is okay! Given the context of a horror film based on Winnie the Pooh, it’s crucial to be skeptical about such a project, since it’s challenging to envision a significant audience eager for a gruesome take on this beloved children’s character. That particular film, alongside its sequel released this year, only gained momentum due to the character’s transition into public consciousness, and creator Rhys Frake-Waterfield has swiftly begun developing a linked universe featuring adaptations of Disney classics such as Peter Pan, where Tinker Bell is portrayed as a heroin addict, and Pinocchio – you know exactly what that means.
The one notable drawback is that an initial glance at the animatronic puppet depicting Pinocchio yields a fairly impressive result – viewers can take a look at a clip showcasing its motion, crafted by Todd Masters, who has worked on sequences like Kids Play, Dune, and Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight. I’ve always had a deep affection for the quirky and eccentric tale of the 1980s. In the past, I took great enthusiasm in bringing this animation to life – a miniature marvel that required meticulous attention to detail and clever special effects. As the protagonist’s transformation into a boy unfolds, the experience is both captivating and unsettling. The process, though unconventional, is surprisingly thrilling, offering an unpredictable ride that keeps us invested in his journey.
According to sources close to the production, horror legend Robert Englund has reportedly signed on to star in Pinocchio: Unstrung, marking an intriguing casting choice given his iconic role as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. The film also sees the addition of Richard Brake, known for his roles in Barbarian and Mandy, who takes on the character of Gepetto; meanwhile, Robert Englund’s role remains shrouded in mystery.
Pinocchio: Unstrung is slated for release in the following year, alongside Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, Bambi: The Reckoning, and Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble – a cinematic team-up featuring all four beloved characters – although no specific launch dates have been announced as yet.
