The iconic spinach-loving sailor Popeye is the latest childhood favourite to receive a dark and gory horror twist. Following the success of Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey, this indie project reimagines Popeye as a bloodthirsty slasher.
A Raunchy and Gory Makeover
Described as a “raunchy and gory slasher,” the film will see Popeye transformed into a Jason Voorhees-style killer. The plot centres on a group of camp counsellors haunted by the legend of Popeye as they prepare to open a summer camp.
Stephen Murphy will star as the titular character, with Rene August producing and William Stead directing. Despite the similarities in concept, the movie is not connected to the Twisted Childhood Universe, also known as the “Poohniverse.”
First Look Images Released
Horror website Bloody Disgusting recently revealed the first promo images from the film. While the images are low quality, they offer a glimpse into the violent and macabre tone of this reimagining. A trailer is expected to drop soon.
Popeye’s Legacy
Popeye first appeared in 1929 in Elzie Crisler Segar’s Thimble Theatre comic strip. The character gained widespread fame in the 1930s through Max Fleischer’s Popeye the Sailor cartoons. Over the years, Popeye has appeared in comics, radio shows, and cartoons, maintaining enduring popularity.
In 2010, Sony Pictures announced a new animated Popeye film, with Genndy Tartakovsky set to direct, though the project was ultimately cancelled. Earlier this year, a live-action Popeye movie was confirmed to be in development at Chernin Entertainment, with Michael Caleo writing the screenplay.
The only previous live-action adaptation came in 1980, when Robin Williams portrayed the sailor in Robert Altman’s divisive Popeye movie.
This horror adaptation is a far cry from Popeye’s traditional adventures, but it continues the trend of reimagining classic characters for a new audience.
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