ITN Studios turns Popeye into a bloodthirsty killer, leaving behind the innocence of his animated version

The friendly sailor that many of us associate with his love of spinach and his courage in the comics and cartoons of the 1930s has received a disturbing makeover. Popeyedirected by William Stead and produced by Rene August, it is reimagined as a film slasher bloody and provocative, according to ITN Studios.

A darker, deadlier Popeye

The recent success of films like Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honeywhich offered a macabre twist on AA Milne’s classic, appears to have inspired a wave of similar adaptations. Now Popeye joins this trend, leaving behind heroic adventures to embrace his darker side. Stephen Murphy will play the iconic sailor in a story that promises a feast of blood and violence fueled, of course, by spinach.

The main plot suggests that this new Popeye will take on the role of a Jason Voorhees-style assassin. According to the official synopsis:
“The legend of Popeye haunts a group of counselors as they try to open a summer camp.”

While the trailer has yet to be released, Bloody Disgusting has shared some early low-quality promotional images that reveal a chilling glimpse of what we can expect.

The horror phenomenon based on classic characters

The arrival of this bloody Popeye confirms a growing trend in low-budget horror films: turning child figures into nightmare protagonists. However, ITN Studios clarifies that this adaptation is not linked to the so-called “Poohniverse”, which brings together similar reinterpretations of characters such as Winnie the Pooh.

The curious thing about this bet is how a character created in 1929 by Elzie Crisler Segar, famous for fighting villains like Bluto with his strength and his code of honor, now becomes a deranged executioner. It’s a risky decision that could generate controversy, but also capture the attention of those who love more bizarre horror films.

Popeye’s legacy, beyond terror

Before this reinvention, Popeye had already undergone several changes in format and style. From the original comics to the 1930s cartoons produced by Max Fleischer, this sailor has always stood out for his eccentric personality and his love story with Olivia (Olive Oyl).

In 1980, the character had his first and only adaptation live action in the movie Roberto Altmannagainst Robin Williams in the main role. Although divisive among critics and viewers, that version stood out for its eccentric aesthetic and focus on life in the fictional port of Sweethaven.

More recently, in 2010, Sony Pictures announced an ambitious animation project starring the legendary Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Hotel Transylvania) as director. However, this project ended up being shelved. This year it was revealed that a new live-action Popeye film is in development by Chernin Entertainment, written by Michael Caleo.

What can we expect from this slasher version?

The concept of Popeye as a killer is not only shocking, but also a clear strategy to capture the attention of a movie-loving audience. impact value. But will this film be able to reach the cult level achieved by other similar experiments?

With a team that includes emerging talent and a narrative that transforms the sailor into a terrifying figure, ITN Studios strives to mix nostalgia and terror in a film that will not leave you indifferent.

Regardless of the project’s success or failure, this version of Popeye will only expand his legacy, reminding us that even the most beloved characters can be reinvented in unexpected ways. Will you dare to face the deadliest sailor in cinema?