The crossover film based on the Poohniverse’s scariest characters may take longer than expected
¿Halloween 2025?
2023 marked the beginning of this dark and terrifying new take on classic children’s literature characters, with the unexpected success of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Despite mixed reviews, the film performed impressively at the box office, grossing $5 million on a budget of only $100,000. This, of course, opened the doors to new chapters in the Poohniverse universe, including Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, Bambi: The Showdown Yes Pinocchio: without strings.
The big crossover event that all fans are waiting for, The monsters gatherit was initially scheduled to be released in 2025. However, producer Scott Chambers, in a recent interview with Screen triggeringrevealed that the filming process may take longer than expected.
“I plan to shoot this summer,” Chambers explained. “And it will all depend on how we move forward. If we can get everything done in time to release it around Halloween 2025, I definitely will. But I don’t want to rush things because I know the fans have very high expectations. I don’t want to release something that everyone will be disappointed with. I prefer to take my time, but I never work slowly, it’s not my style. So they will have it quickly, but with quality.
Despite this optimism on Chambers’ part, the producer also admitted that the film most likely won’t arrive in time for Halloween. The launch window could instead be extended until the first quarter of 2026, although it does not seem to be too far from the initially planned dates.
New projects on the horizon
This delay in production hasn’t stopped the excitement for upcoming projects in this universe. After the initial success of Blood and honeythe Poohniverse has attracted many fans eager to see what other dark and macabre stories will emerge from the classic tales. Upcoming projects include reimaginings of Peter Pan, Bambi Yes Pinocchiowhere the characters will be subjected to new terrifying and bloody versions.
Although the reviews were not favorable Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honeypublic acceptance was clear. The box office has spoken: the fans want more and the franchise is willing to give them everything they want, but without rushing.
The dark side of classic characters
The Poohniverse concept was born with a bold idea: transform endearing characters from children’s literature in terrifying numbers. This reinvention was unexpectedly successful, especially with the premiere of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honeywhich surprised many with its twist on horror. Through this formula, the Poohniverse has earned a special place in the genre of terror independent, with characters that oscillate between the macabre and the nostalgic.
Compared to other similar products, such as dark versions of Pinocchio or Peter Panthe Poohniverse stands out for its unique attention to figure gripping classics for children and give them a new dimension. Far from simply being an adaptation, this dark retelling offers a mix of psychological horror and graphic violence that redefines what we thought of these beloved characters.
Waiting and anxiety
As Chambers tells us, the production team is fully aware of the pressure they face when dealing with such beloved characters. Poohniverse fans’ expectations are very high, and the last thing they want is to disappoint them. “I don’t want anyone to be disappointed,” concludes Chambers, a comment that reflects the care and dedication they are putting into this project.
With filming scheduled for summer 2025, fans will have to wait a little longer to see how all their favorite characters, like Pooh, Piglet and more, come together in a horror story that promises to be even scarier than its predecessors .
Even though the wait may be long, the producer is committed to delivering a film that is worth it. And if it doesn’t arrive in 2025, 2026 will certainly bring with it a crossover film that will meet the expectations of the new horror universe.