2 Additional Timeless Fairy Tales To Receive Dark Twists By 2024

Among the current trends in the horror genre are adaptations of children’s stories and fairy tales. Two more are secretly being adapted into horror films set to release in 2024. Many artists have taken advantage of classic tales and characters that are now in the public domain to give them a modern twist. This often involves steering them towards a horror direction, offering a fresh perspective on characters and stories once considered innocent, sparking some controversy.

Although horror versions of fairy tales and children's stories are not new, they gained momentum and attention with the release of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Despite receiving negative reviews, Blood and Honey generated interest in more horror adaptations of beloved kid-friendly characters and tales. It even launched its own cinematic universe, with plans for additional movies based on other children's stories. Apart from this universe, two popular fairy tales are also receiving the horror treatment for a 2024 debut, although they are not receiving as much buzz as other projects.

Bambi & Beauty and the Beast Horror Movies Are Releasing In 2024

Bampire 2024 key art - Bambi & Beauty and the Beast Horror Movies Are Releasing In 2024

Bampire is a gory, R-rated horror comedy set in the late 1990s.

Bambi and Beauty and the Beast are set to receive their own horror movie adaptations in 2024. These films will introduce significant changes to the characters, settings, and storylines of the beloved classics. Bambi, for instance, is already slated to star in a horror movie called Bambi: The Reckoning, which is part of the Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey universe. This terrifying tale will follow a woman and her son who find themselves being hunted by a bloodthirsty deer after a car accident leaves them stranded in the woods. Additionally, Bambi will be featured in another horror film titled Bampire. Directed by Taylor Morden and written by Zoë Wassman, this movie has been described as a blend of "Evil Dead 2 meets Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (via Bloody Disgusting).

Bampire is a horror-comedy film set in the late 1990s. It follows five community college students and their professor on a mission to capture evidence of a rare fanged deer in the Cascades. However, their adventure takes a dangerous turn when they realize the creature they are dealing with is not a typical deer. The film is described as gory and R-rated, combining live-action performances, hand-drawn animation, practical effects, claymation, and VHS footage. Bampire is a crowdfunded project with a planned release in October 2024.

Your Monster is inspired by a short film and draws clear parallels to the classic story of Beauty and the Beast.

A horror version of Beauty and the Beast is set to release in 2024 titled Your Monster, directed by Caroline Lindy. The movie is based on Lindy's 2019 short film of the same name, drawing clear similarities to the classic tale. Your Monster follows Laura Franco (played by Melissa Barrera), who, after a surgery and a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, seeks solace in her childhood home. There, she encounters a peculiar yet charming monster (portrayed by Tommy Dewey) residing in her closet, leading to a strong bond between them. The initial images of Your Monster showcase its inspiration from Beauty and the Beast.

Vertical has acquired Your Monster, and its release is anticipated in 2024.

Why So Many Children’s Stories Are Getting Horror Versions

Cinderella's Revenge and Disney's Cinderella - Why So Many Children’s Stories Are Getting Horror Versions

Custom image by Simone Ashmoore.

Taking these once-innocent characters and stories is guaranteed to shock the audience.

Various children’s stories and characters are now in the public domain, allowing artists the freedom to use them as they wish. Some are on the verge of entering the public domain, with artists getting ready for that moment. Filmmakers also sometimes modify children’s stories to avoid legal issues, like in the case of Your Monster, while still keeping the original inspiration clear.

Transforming these familiar characters and stories can be quite surprising for the audience, ensuring that these projects will grab attention. It can be fascinating to see fairy tale characters take a darker turn and become horror figures, but it is crucial for the change in tone and narrative to be well-crafted for the project to be successful.

Source: Bloody Disgusting, Indiegogo.

Editor's P/S:

The growing trend of horror adaptations of beloved children's stories and fairy tales is an intriguing phenomenon that sparks both excitement and trepidation. On one hand, it offers a refreshing and unconventional approach to familiar characters and narratives, potentially rekindling interest in classic tales. However, it also raises concerns about the preservation of the innocence and wonder associated with these cherished stories.

The success of films like "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" has paved the way for a surge of similar projects, including the upcoming "Bambi: The Reckoning" and "Your Monster." While these films may appeal to horror enthusiasts seeking a unique and unsettling experience, it remains to be seen whether they can maintain the delicate balance between respecting the source material and delivering a truly terrifying cinematic experience. Ultimately, the true test of these adaptations lies in their ability to create a compelling and cohesive narrative while honoring the legacy of the beloved tales they are inspired by.