Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) Proves the Poohniverse Can Be Good?
Title: Pinocchio: Unstrung
First Non-Festival Release: July 22, 2026 (Theatrical Release)
Director: Rhys Frake-Waterfield
Writer: Rhys Frake-Waterfield
Runtime: 82 Minutes
Starring: Jude Evan Lloyd, Richard Brake, Robert Englund
Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here
The latest entry in the infamous ‘Poohniverse,” Pinocchio: Unstrung stretches the public domain children’s story into something more appropriately sinister. What initially started as a forgettable cash in slasher franchise has become a B-movie universe sensation for a new generation of campy horror fans, with each entry getting stronger and more developed than the last.
After his parents are killed in a car accident, James (Cameron Bell) is sent to live with his grandfather, Geppetto (Richard Brake). All things considered, James is doing fine. He’s adjusting to the new normal, but when he loses his two new friends to cancer and a parent’s new job, Geppetto promises to build him a friend that will never leave him. One year later, Pinocchio (Jude Evan Lloyd) is born. A puppet carved by Geppetto himself, the curious fellow is sentient and adorned with a magic nose that grows each time he tells a lie. When James struggles to stave off bullies at school, Pinocchio makes it his mission to intervene on James’s behalf, leading to a bloody massacre.
A surprisingly fun B-movie, Pinocchio: Unstrung delights with its campy approach to its source material.
Leaning into the original story’s morality tale, Pinocchio: Unstrung takes a horror approach to the titular character’s coming-of-age and coming-to-life. With his nose capable of expanding every time he lies and seeing the world through fresh, baby eyes, Pinocchio learns quickly how important it is to tell the truth and be a good person. These very loose parameters allow him to go about being James’s best friend in the worst way. Unlike the original film, Cricket (Robert Englund) is a nefarious force in Pinocchio’s life, causing chaos and encouraging Pinocchio to instigate his own.
This is what Pinocchio: Unstrung wrestles with beneath the goofy premise and modest production values. Throughout the film, Pinocchio gradually learns what it means to be a good friend and a real boy. It just so happens that he does so while getting revenge on drunk drivers and schoolyard bullies. Eventually, he gains a conscience and Pinocchio: Unstrung goes to some strange places narratively but ultimately makes for a satisfying B-movie.
The campiness doesn’t all work. Pinocchio: Unstrung takes its time inching towards its bloody, final confrontation one scalping at a time. The pacing leads to many lulls and makes some of the comedic elements hit softer than intended. Nothing impacts the flow more than the awkward integration of Cricket, Pinocchio’s tiny minion that assists in carrying out his quest for vengeance. Sure, the imagery of this minuscule evil insect causing mayhem at the behest of his wayward charge paints a charming and hilarious picture but most of his scenes feel suspiciously disconnected to the action, as if the character was added last minute. Pinocchio: Unstrung has plenty of similar moments that makes it harder to fully embrace.
What helps Pinocchio: Unstrung stand out from the pack of Poohniverse slashers is its attention to detail with their effects work. Pinocchio easily could have been cgi puppet slop, but true artistry goes into making his wonderfully uncanny, wooden figure. There’s depth and dimension here that makes the little guy so charming, even when he is in the midst of a stabbing frenzy. It’s hit-or-miss in other part of the film but Pinocchio: Unstrung nails it in the one element they needed to get right.
A bloody, unserious IP cash grab, Pinocchio: Unstrung still manages to pack plenty of heart in its modest picture. Impressive practical and special effects work bring the supernatural puppet slasher to life despite its middling script and odd pacing. Its goofiness is a feature, not a bug, even when the film goes to odd or dark places. Fans, and foes, of the rapidly evolving Poohniverse can rejoice that this dark universe is expanding while improving on its mistakes.
And that is no lie.
Overall Score? 6/10
