One of literature’s most beloved characters is getting a terrifying new makeover in Pinocchio: Unstrung, the latest horror reimagining from the ever-expanding Twisted Childhood Universe.
Directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the film transforms Carlo Collodi’s classic puppet into a relentless slasher, combining practical effects, grisly kills, and a dark new mythology. Featuring horror icons Richard Brake and Robert Englund, Pinocchio: Unstrung looks to continue the franchise’s increasingly ambitious approach to public-domain horror.
Here’s everything you need to know about Pinocchio: Unstrung, from its release date and cast to the story, trailer, and what horror fans can expect.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Pinocchio: Unstrung arrives exclusively in theaters on July 24, 2026, distributed in North America by Viva Pictures.
The film serves as the fifth installment in the Twisted Childhood Universe (also known as the Poohniverse), following Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, and Bambi: The Reckoning.
Story and Setting
The film follows young James, who is grieving the loss of his closest friend. Hoping to comfort his grandson, Geppetto gifts him a handcrafted wooden puppet named Pinocchio.
But the gift comes with a horrifying secret.
Influenced by a sinister Cricket, Pinocchio begins a violent quest to become a real boy, believing the only path to humanity is through murder. As the body count rises, Geppetto’s past and the puppet’s origins threaten to unravel in increasingly gruesome fashion.
Cast and Characters
Pinocchio: Unstrung features an impressive lineup of horror veterans alongside rising talent:
- Richard Brake as Geppetto
- Robert Englund as the voice of Cricket
- Jude Evan Lloyd as Pinocchio
- Cameron Bell
- Jessica Balmer
- Jack Art Gray
- Peter De Souza-Feighoney
Brake, known for Barbarian and Rob Zombie’s films, takes on a darker interpretation of Geppetto, while A Nightmare on Elm Street legend Robert Englund lends his unmistakable voice to a demonic version of Cricket.
Creative Team and Production
Pinocchio: Unstrung is written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, who also produces alongside Scott Jeffrey under Jagged Edge Productions.
Unlike many modern horror films that lean heavily on CGI, the filmmakers prioritized practical craftsmanship. The murderous puppet was created as a full animatronic by Emmy Award-winning special effects artist Todd Masters, whose credits include Slither, Child’s Play (2019), and Dune: Part Two.
Additional practical gore effects were provided by Prosthetics Studio, whose previous work includes the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises.
Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield has described the film as intentionally “campy, crafty, and fun” rather than a straightforward supernatural horror movie, embracing practical effects and dark humor to create a unique take on the classic story.
Trailer and First Look
Take a look at the official trailer:
Exclusive new clip from Pinocchio: Unstrung
Photos from Pinocchio: Unstrung:
What to Expect:
Whether audiences embrace the Twisted Childhood Universe or remain skeptical of its premise, Pinocchio: Unstrung appears to represent one of the franchise’s most ambitious entries yet.
Early reactions from festival screenings have praised its practical effects, inventive creature design, and willingness to embrace both camp and brutality. Combined with performances from Richard Brake and Robert Englund, the film looks poised to deliver a horror reinterpretation that is as playful as it is gruesome.
For fans of practical horror, twisted fairy tales, and unapologetic slashers, this could become one of the genre’s most memorable releases of the summer.
What are your hopes for Pinocchio: Unstrung? Let us know in the comments below!
Tim H
Tim is a creator and creative with a deep passion for TV, movies, music and pop culture. With a sharp eye for storytelling and a love for all things on screen, he brings entertaining, thoughtful, and often hilarious commentary to his growing community. Whether he’s breaking down a plot twist, highlighting overlooked characters, or sharing his unfiltered reactions, Tim makes screen time feel like a conversation with your favorite binge-watching bestie. In addition to being a creator, Tim co-hosts a podcast called Rated T&T where he dives even deeper into fandom, music, and media alongside his co-host, delivering hot takes, deep dives, and lively fan-focused discussions and interviews that feel like a group chat brought to life! Streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, iHeartRadio and YouTube! Follow along: TikTok & IG (Tim): @casualfandomwithtim | TikTok & IG (Rated T&T): @ratedtandtpodcast