Pinocchio: Unstrung (2025) – A Dark Twist on a Classic Tale

“Pinocchio: Unstrung” is an upcoming British horror film set to release in the summer of 2025. Directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the film is part of The Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU), a franchise known for its terrifying reimaginings of beloved fairy tales.

Plot Overview

The story follows James, a young boy introduced by his grandfather Geppetto to a mysterious wooden puppet named Pinocchio. As James takes Pinocchio into the outside world, the puppet’s naive understanding of good and evil leads to a deadly crusade against anything deemed “bad.” What starts as a seemingly innocent story quickly spirals into a horrifying nightmare.

Cast & Characters

• Cameron Bell as James / Voice of Pinocchio
• Richard Brake as Geppetto
• Robert Englund as The Talking Cricket (Jiminy Cricket)
• Jessica Balmer as Mia
• Peter DeSouza-Feighoney as Michael Darling

Production & Special Effects

“Pinocchio: Unstrung” emphasizes practical effects to create a terrifyingly realistic puppet. Todd Masters, the mastermind behind the Chucky design in Child’s Play (2019), is leading the animatronic creation for Pinocchio. The Prosthetics Studio, known for work on Harry Potter and Star Wars, will handle the film’s realistic horror effects.

Ties to The Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU)

This film is the fifth entry in the TCU, following horror adaptations like Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and Bambi: The Reckoning. Fans of these films can expect another deeply unsettling take on a childhood classic.

“Pinocchio: Unstrung” is currently in post-production and slated for a summer 2025 release. Keep an eye on its for updates!