Directed and written by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey presents a fresh take on the beloved childhood tale by portraying the iconic character as evil. The emerging trend of developing horror films based on public domain characters is indeed captivating. The enduring book series by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard continues to enchant numerous children. The mere notion of a frightening movie featuring Winnie the Pooh is enough to capture everyone's interest.
Released in January 2023, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey certainly made a splash. While some may have reservations about introducing a dark narrative for a cherished character, others find it intriguing. There is essential information that horror enthusiasts should be aware of regarding Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.
What Is Winnie The Pooh: Blood And Honey?
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey is a hilarious horror film that reimagines the beloved character as an evil entity. Set primarily in the Hundred Acre Wood, the movie follows the menacing exploits of Piglet and Pooh on a college campus. Christopher Robin also plays a significant role in the story. The popularity of the concept is further evident with the upcoming release of a Winnie the Pooh horror game.
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey delivers a shocking narrative, subverting the positive childhood memories associated with this iconic character. Instead of peaceful forest strolls with Piglet, this version of Pooh is a ruthless killer who shows no mercy. Right from the start, Pooh's act of murdering Christopher Robin's fiancée, Mary, sets the tone for a highly unpredictable and chilling storyline. Fans of horror will undoubtedly find Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey to be a truly memorable experience.
According to Variety, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey had an impressive box office gross of $5 million, considering its budget was only $100,000. Although the majority of reviews were not favorable, with a meager 3% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer based on 58 reviews, it is important to note that some entertaining films with low Rotten Tomatoes ratings, such as certain Blumhouse horror movies, can still captivate audiences.
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey has the potential to initiate an intriguing new trend in the horror genre. The advantage of these films is their ability to be produced with minimal expenses, which allows filmmakers to creatively explore well-known public domain characters. These movies possess a certain charm for several reasons. Firstly, they guarantee an escape from mundanity as they unveil unexpected and dark developments in characters like Winnie the Pooh. Secondly, they offer audiences truly distinctive horror experiences, presenting untold narratives that have never been brought to the screen before.
It is also a possibility that a collection of horror movies in the public domain will be interconnected. In an interview with SyFy, Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the writer and director of the film, discussed his and Scott Jeffrey's plans. According to Frake-Waterfield, they aim to "establish a sort of multiverse of alternative interpretations [featuring] various characters. There are numerous fairy tales and nursery rhymes that can be retold. We simply have to identify the ones that generate excitement among the audience, instead of indiscriminately producing any public domain material."
What Are The Other Public Domain Horror Movies Coming Out?
More public domain horror movies are set to hit the big screen soon. Variety reports that Cinderella's Curse, a horror film by ITN Studios, will join the ranks along with Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.
According to an Entertainment Weekly piece in November 2022, there will be an upcoming horror film centered around Bambi titled "Bambi: The Reckoning." Rhys Frake-Waterfield will serve as the film's producer, known for their work on "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey." The movie is being backed by Jagged Edge Productions and ITN Studios.
The Grinch, a popular character who has appeared in numerous films, will also undergo a thrilling transformation. "The Mean One," released in December 2022, showcases the beloved characters Cindy (portrayed by Krystle Martin) and the infamous Grinch. David Howard Thornton, renowned for portraying Art the Clown in the Terrifier movies, brings The Mean One to life. While the substantial budget for Terrifier 3 may present challenges, there is no denying the sheer terror this villain evokes.
Not everyone embraces public domain horror movies. Some horror enthusiasts prefer sticking to the more conventional slasher films. It can be quite unsettling to witness characters like The Grinch, Bambi, Cinderella, and Winnie the Pooh being placed in these grim situations. However, these movies do carry a certain humor and provide a much-needed lightness to the horror genre at times.