Pinocchio Unstrung: Childhood dreams turning into big screen nightmares? Oh yes
Look - if we’re just keeping it 100 - Hollywood continues to show there is some serious selling power in the ability to go down the uncharted pathways and with the success of flicks like Obsession and Backrooms - how about keeping the horror genre alive with an epic-looking Pinocchio Unstrung movie?
We’ve already seen Winnie the Pooh go down the wrong path - how about the iconic Pinocchio? My goodness. Geek out, Attackers.
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.
“It’s a bold take on a familiar property, reimagining Pinocchio through a darker, more visceral lens,” said Victor Elizalde, President Viva Pictures. “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.”
Pinocchio Unstrung is 88 minutes and is anticipated to be Rated R.
The deal was negotiated by Victor Elizalde for Viva Pictures and Stuart Alson for ITN Distribution, Inc.
ITN Distribution, Inc. Presents A Jagged Edge Production. Richard Brake, Robert Englund, Jessica Balmer, Cameron Bell. Pinocchio Designed by MastersFX. Executive Producer David Coppa. Executive Producers Stuart Alson, Nicole Holland, and David Coppa. Produced by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, Scott Chambers. Written and Directed By Rhys Frake-Waterfield. Home video and streaming rights are being handled by ITN Distribution, Inc.
©Copyright 2026 ITN Distribution.
About Viva Pictures
Viva Pictures is a leading independent all rights distributor and production studio dedicated to delivering world-class entertainment to global audiences. With a diverse portfolio of acquired and original films in production, Viva strives to captivate viewers, fostering a love for storytelling and cinema across genres. Recent successes include The Amazing Maurice, which Viva debuted at the Sundance Film Festival before its wide theatrical release, Night of the Zoopocalypse, HITPIG, and The Pout Pout Fish, now streaming on Amazon. Viva Pictures has an equity interest in the 3D animation studio 3Doubles Producciones, Kazoo Films Distribution in the United Kingdom and continues to develop a slate of new productions.
