Pinocchio Unstrung is coming to theaters July 24, and ahead of its release, I had the opportunity to catch up with writer / director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and special effects wizard Todd Masters to learn all about bringing this horrifying version of Pinocchio to life:
"Viva Pictures has acquired its latest film, the already viral sensation, Pinocchio Unstrung for theatrical release in North America July 24, 2026. This slasher horror film is the latest in the Twisted Child Universe and stars Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise), Richard Brake (The Strangers trilogy, TV’s “Mayor of Kingstown”), Jessica Balmer (A Royal Christmas Manor) and Cameron Bell (TV’s “The Silo”).
Having had its world premiere at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, the film is directed and written by Rhys Frake-Waterfield and produced by Scott Chambers as part of their Jagged Edge Productions, the team behind Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.
A chilling reimagining of the familiar fable, Pinocchio Unstrung unfolds inside an elite London prep school. Influenced by a sinister Cricket (Robert Englund) and created by Geppetto (Richard Brake), Pinocchio launches a violent crusade to carve himself into a real boy like his brother James, one piece at a time."
After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.
After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.
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