Pinocchio: Unstrung is a 2025 horror film; a dark reimagining that explores the eerie nature of the iconic puppet, blurring lines between reality and fantasy.
The movie is being directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield (Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare; Dinosaur Prison; Rise of the Loch Ness; Sky Monster; The Killing Tree; Firenado) and produced by hyper-prolific filmmaker Scott Jeffrey [aka Scott Chambers] (Spider in the Attic; The Mutation; Bats; Bad Nun: Deadly Vows; Cupid; ClownDoll and many, many others).
“Our movie flips everything you know about Pinocchio on its head,” the director commented. “We have an incredibly talented cast and crew working on this. We are heavily relying on practical effects for all of the deaths and creature work. I can’t wait for the world to meet Pinocchio.”
Special effects maestro Todd Masters (Child’s Play; Underworld Awakening; Slither) is providing the fully-practical Pinocchio puppet. Masters enthused: “I’ve forever loved the original and demented story from the 1880s. So I was excited to join this production, to bring this little puppet to life — with all practical FX“This version is still a little puppet’s pursuit to becoming a boy… but the way he becomes one is extremely gnarly… and frankly, very fun.”
Meanwhile, Variety has revealed that this bigger budgeted Jagged Edge Productions movie has signed up none of former Freddy Krueger Robert Englund. Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, Jack Art Gray and Peter De Souza-Feighoney also star.
The film industry publication also announced that Richard Brake (3 from Hell) will be starring as puppet master Geppetto. He commented “Not only is the script dark, twisted and gory, it’s also at times very funny. Todd Masters and his team have created incredible practical effects. Audiences are in for a crazy ride.”
Release:
As is usually the case with Jagged Edge productions, the film will be distributed by ITN Studios with a summer 2025 release date mooted.
Pinocchio: Unstrung is another entry in Jagged Edge’s ‘Twisted Childhood Universe’ which includes their two previous Winnie-the Pooh: Blood and Honey releases, the upcoming Bambi: The Reckoning and Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare and will culminate in Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble, which will assemble all their nasty children’s characters in one nightmarish movie.
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Initial source and first look image credit: Variety
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