Oceana Studios (‘Terrifier’ ) has given the green light to a new horror film based on a classic children’s story. This is Pinocchio: Carved from Darkness‘, a film that, according to Variety, will be offered to potential buyers at the imminent Cannes Film Market.
In the film, we will see Geppetto carve a puppet that resembles his recently deceased son from a block of wood discarded at the scene of a crime cursed by Agatha, the priestess of a dark cult. As Pinocchio becomes a vengeful killer, a teenager named Charlie and his mother, Nancy, arrive in town looking for a new beginning. Meanwhile, a detective named Georgina begins investigating Agatha’s crimes. The characters become intertwined, with some tragic consequences.
The film will be directed by Joona Tena (‘Superfurball’ ) from a script by Paulie Siegel (‘Jeremiah’ ). Regarding the cast, it will consist of Peter Stormare as Geppetto, Vicki Berlin as Nancy, the semi-alcoholic mother of teenager Charlie, and Daniel Nuta as Ronnie, a local gangster who becomes involved in Charlie’s high school circle.
“We are using the premise of the classic story to make a dark and modern horror film, but with intensity and empathy, since our Pinocchio is carved from evil but nourished with affection,” said Tena. “It will be a gripping cinematic journey through fear while addressing themes of grief and broken family ties.”
