Pinocchio Unstrung Debuts New R-Rated Trailer Ahead of July Theatrical Release
- Horror Movies Uncut
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
R-Rated Trailer for Pinocchio Unstrung Reveals a Brutal New Chapter in the Twisted Childhood Universe
The Twisted Childhood Universe is preparing to unleash another nightmare on audiences this summer.
Viva Pictures has released the new R-rated trailer for Pinocchio Unstrung, the latest horror reimagining from Jagged Edge Productions, the creative team behind Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Following a strong festival run and growing online buzz, the film is set to arrive exclusively in North American theaters on July 24, 2026.
Directed and written by Rhys Frake-Waterfield and produced by Scott Chambers, Pinocchio Unstrung takes the familiar fairy tale and transforms it into a violent slasher set within an elite London prep school.
The story centers on Pinocchio, a deadly creation influenced by a sinister Cricket and brought to life by Geppetto. Determined to become a real boy like his brother James, Pinocchio embarks on a gruesome journey that quickly descends into violence and chaos.
The film boasts a notable genre cast led by horror icon Robert Englund, best known for portraying Freddy Krueger in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Englund takes on the role of Cricket, while Richard Brake, whose credits include The Strangers trilogy and Mayor of Kingstown, plays Geppetto.
They are joined by Jessica Balmer (A Royal Christmas Manor) and Cameron Bell (Silo).
The newly released trailer offers the clearest look yet at the film's darker tone. Packed with brutal imagery, intense violence, and a nightmarish interpretation of the classic character, the footage suggests that Pinocchio Unstrung may be one of the most aggressive entries in the growing Twisted Childhood Universe.
The project has already gained recognition on the festival circuit. The film was an Official Selection at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, where it received the Silver Méliès Special Jury Prize in the European Competition. It was also selected for the Raindance Film Festival, earning nominations for Best Horror, Best UK Feature, Best UK Cinematography, and Best Performance in a UK Feature Film.
Viva Pictures President Victor Elizalde praised the film's approach, describing it as a bold reinterpretation of a familiar property while emphasizing the strong theatrical appeal of horror audiences.
Running 88 minutes and anticipated to receive an R rating, Pinocchio Unstrung continues the trend of transforming recognizable childhood stories into dark horror experiences, while leaning heavily into slasher territory.
With Robert Englund and Richard Brake leading the cast and a trailer that has already generated strong reactions online, the film is positioning itself as one of the more talked-about genre releases of the summer.
Pinocchio Unstrung arrives exclusively in North American theaters on July 24, 2026.
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