Winnie the Pooh goes on a killing spree in bizarre horror film trailer
Oh, bother.
The first trailer has been released for a shocking new horror film called Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, which turns the beloved children's character into a slasher villain thanks to the magic of the public domain.
The film sees Christopher Robin return to the Hundred Acre Wood as an adult. But after Christopher abandoned Winnie the Pooh and Piglet as a child, they have both turned into killers, who begin picking people off one by one.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Wait, you might be wondering ... how is this legal? Well, A. A. Milne's original Winnie-the-Pooh book from 1926 recently became public domain, so director Rhys Frake-Waterfield wasted no time taking advantage of that.
But Disney still holds the rights to its interpretation of the character, Variety notes. So Waterfield told Variety that "we've tried to be extremely careful" making sure the film is only "based on the 1926 version of" Pooh, as to avoid a Disney lawsuit.
The trailer certainly raises a lot of questions beyond the legal ones, though, including why Winnie the Pooh looks more like a man wearing a Winnie the Pooh mask than the actual cartoon bear come to life. Will that be an actual plot point, or is it just because the film appears to have a budget of no more than $5?
Either way, after this trailer, it's safe to say Disney is going to want to hold on to that Mickey Mouse copyright for dear life.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published