Pinocchio Unstrung Features Flesh-Covered Wooden Doll

Rhys Frake-Waterfield's "Pinocchio Unstrung" has been released, presenting a dark reimagining of Carlo Collodi's classic wooden puppet. This latest installment in the director's trend of deconstructing beloved childhood characters features Pinocchio covered in flesh and blood, a stark departure from his traditional wooden form. The film joins other twisted takes on fairy tales that began with Frake-Waterfield's "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" in 2023.

Frake-Waterfield described "Pinocchio Unstrung" as "kooky, crazy and fun," hinting at a tone that balances horror with dark humor. This approach aligns with his broader vision for a shared cinematic universe, which he has dubbed the "Poohniverse." The director has teased an "Avengers"-style crossover film titled "Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble," intended to bring together various characters from his previous and upcoming projects.

This expansion into a shared universe signifies a strategic move to capitalize on the public domain status of classic fairy tale characters. By offering graphic and unconventional interpretations, Frake-Waterfield aims to create a distinct niche within the horror genre. The "Poohniverse" concept suggests a future where characters like Winnie the Pooh, Bambi, and Peter Pan, alongside the newly introduced Pinocchio, could potentially interact in a shared narrative, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling for these iconic figures.