Fairytales have always had a dark side, but few have been twisted into something as terrifying as Pinocchio Unstrung. The latest entry in the Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU) reimagines Carlo Collodi's wooden boy as a jagged, murderous puppet, and it's arriving next week. Here's everything you need to know about the premiere date, plot, and how to watch.
A Darker Take on a Classic Tale
While Disney's 1940 Pinocchio kept some of the original story's unsettling elements—like the Coachman turning boys into donkeys on Pleasure Island—this new film goes much further. Written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield (Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey), Pinocchio Unstrung follows a boy named James, the grandson of Geppetto. When Geppetto introduces James to his magical puppet, a friendship forms that quickly turns sinister. Exposed to the outside world and influenced by a wicked Cricket, Pinocchio embarks on a violent rampage, hoping to carve himself into a real boy.
Premiere Date and How to Watch
Pinocchio Unstrung premieres on July 24. It will be available in select theaters and on digital platforms. For those who love horror reimaginings of childhood stories, this is a must-watch. The film is part of the growing TCU, which also includes Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and its sequel.
Horror Veterans Join the Cast
The film boasts a stellar cast of horror icons. Robert Englund, best known as Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, voices the demented Cricket. Richard Brake (Doom, Barbarian, Mandy) plays Geppetto, bringing a dark edge to the woodcarver. Cameron Bell stars as James, and Jack Art Gray provides the voice of Pinocchio. The puppet itself is a fully practical creation, designed by Emmy-winning special effects artist Todd Masters (Dune: Part Two, Child's Play 2019).
Why This Fairytale Horror Is Different
Unlike sanitized versions, Pinocchio Unstrung leans into the original story's moral warnings but twists them into something far more gruesome. The film explores themes of innocence corrupted and the desire to become real—but with a body count. For fans of Richard Brake's Geppetto, this is a deep dive into the character's dark research.
If you're looking for more twisted fairytales, check out Stephen King's new obsession or 'The Crow Girl' Season 2 for more dark thrills. And for a classic crime epic, 'City of God' arrives on Paramount+ this July.
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