Viva Pictures brings viral Horror sensation PINOCCHIO UNSTRUNG to theaters.

The Twisted Child Universe continues expanding its dark horror playground with Pinocchio Unstrung, a brutal reimagining of the classic wooden puppet tale, which arrives in theaters nationwide on July 24 from Viva Pictures.

Already gaining viral attention online ahead of release, the slasher film marks the latest twisted fairy tale adaptation from Jagged Edge Productions, the creative team behind Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. The film stars horror icon Robert Englund alongside Richard Brake, Jessica Balmer, and Cameron Bell.

Directed and written by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, Pinocchio Unstrung recently held its world premiere at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Producer Scott Chambers once again teams with Frake-Waterfield under the Jagged Edge Productions banner to deliver another violent spin on a familiar childhood story.

This time, the story moves away from magical innocence and dives straight into psychological horror and slasher chaos. Set inside an elite London prep school, the film follows a deadly Pinocchio created by Geppetto, played by Brake. Under the influence of a sinister Cricket portrayed portrayed by Englund, Pinocchio begins a gruesome mission to become a “real boy” like his brother James, one violent act at a time.

The film leans heavily into dark atmosphere, graphic violence, and disturbing imagery while transforming one of literature’s most recognizable characters into a nightmare-fueled killer. The concept continues the Twisted Child Universe’s formula of taking beloved public-domain stories and pushing them into extreme horror territory aimed directly at genre audiences.

Victor Elizalde, President of Viva Pictures, praised the film’s approach and confidence in theatrical horror.

“It’s a bold take on a familiar property, reimagining Pinocchio through a darker, more visceral lens,” Elizalde said. “The horror audience has proven to be one of the most discerning and engaged in theatrical, and we’re proud to bring exhibitors a distinctive title that can cut through and drive attendance.”

Horror Fans Continue Embracing Twisted Fairy Tale Films

The success of films like Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey helped launch a wave of horror reinterpretations based on childhood characters entering the public domain. That momentum has now evolved into the growing Twisted Child Universe, with Pinocchio Unstrung becoming one of its highest-profile entries yet, thanks to recognizable horror talent and strong viral marketing.

Englund’s involvement especially adds major genre credibility to the project. Best known for portraying Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, Englund remains one of horror’s most beloved legends. Meanwhile, Brake continues to build a reputation as one of modern horror’s most intense screen presences, following performances in 31, Barbarian, and the The Strangers franchise.

Film Details

Release Date: July 24, 2026
Director: Rhys Frake-Waterfield
Writer: Rhys Frake-Waterfield
Cast: Robert Englund, Richard Brake, Jessica Balmer, Cameron Bell

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