Pinocchio Unstrung Slashes Into Theaters This July From Blood and Honey Team

Robert Englund and Richard Brake lead the dark fairy tale horror film Pinocchio Unstrung.

‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ Heads to Theaters This July as Twisted Childhood Horror Universe Expands

The Twisted Childhood Universe continues growing this summer with another public domain horror reimagining heading to theaters.

Viva Pictures has officially acquired North American theatrical rights to Pinocchio Unstrung, the latest horror adaptation from Jagged Edge Productions, the team behind Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.

The slasher film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026.

Directed and written by Rhys Frake-Waterfield and produced by Scott Chambers, the film recently held its world premiere at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and continues the growing trend of public domain horror projects transforming classic childhood properties into violent genre films.

This version of the Pinocchio story takes place inside an elite London prep school where Pinocchio, influenced by a sinister Cricket portrayed by Robert Englund and created by Geppetto, played by Richard Brake, embarks on a violent mission to become a “real boy” by physically carving himself closer to humanity.

The film also stars Jessica Balmer and Cameron Bell.

Visually and conceptually, Pinocchio Unstrung appears to lean heavily into body horror, slasher violence, and dark fantasy aesthetics while continuing the exaggerated horror style that has become associated with the Twisted Childhood Universe.

The involvement of Robert Englund is likely to draw additional attention from horror audiences, particularly given his long-standing association with the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Richard Brake’s casting also continues his recent streak of appearances in darker genre projects, including The Strangers: Chapter 1 and television work on Mayor of Kingstown.

According to Viva Pictures President Victor Elizalde, the studio views the film as a theatrical horror title designed specifically for genre audiences.

“It’s a bold take on a familiar property, reimagining Pinocchio through a darker, more visceral lens,” Elizalde said while discussing the acquisition.

The film currently carries an anticipated R rating and runs approximately 88 minutes.

Creature and practical effects work for the production was handled by MastersFX, a studio known within genre circles for makeup and practical creature effects.

As public domain horror adaptations continue expanding commercially, Pinocchio Unstrung becomes the latest example of studios attempting to build interconnected horror universes around recognizable literary and childhood characters. Whether audiences fully embrace the concept or not, these projects continue generating strong visibility online and among horror fandom communities.

Pinocchio Unstrung arrives in theaters nationwide on July 24, 2026.