Following the horror reinventions of Winnie-the-Pooh - Blood and Honey and Peter Pan - Nightmare on the Island That Doesn't Exist, the Twisted Childhood Universe is ready to strike again with Pinocchio Unstrung, the new film directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, hitting North American theaters on July 24, 2026.
Far removed from Disney's vision, this version features an animatronic Pinocchio who, once introduced into the real world, interprets his mission in a twisted way, becoming a relentless killer. The story unfolds at an exclusive English boarding school and promises a blend of slasher elements, practical effects, and graphic violence that represents one of the most extreme chapters in the cinematic universe created by Jagged Edge Productions.
Among the most anticipated elements is the presence of two horror cinema icons: Robert Englund, the legendary face of Freddy Krueger, lends his voice to the Cricket in a dark and manipulative version, while Richard Brake plays Geppetto. The production also chose to bring Pinocchio to life using sophisticated animatronics rather than relying primarily on CGI, aiming for a more realistic and unsettling effect.
Early festival screenings have already captured the attention of genre enthusiasts. American and British reviews describe it as one of the most successful films in the so-called "Poohniverse," praising the practical effects and splatter sequences, though noting some pacing issues in the film's middle section.
With Pinocchio Unstrung, the producers continue expanding their horror universe based on characters now in the public domain, ahead of the crossover Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble, which will bring together the major figures reimagined in horror style.
If American audiences respond positively to its theatrical debut, the film could solidify the Twisted Childhood Universe as one of the most talked-about independent horror franchises of recent years.
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