Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey really does have a lot to answer for!
Since the surprising success of the recent horror parody, we've seen several low-budget projects take a similar approach by putting a dark, twisted spin on some classic children's characters (there are plenty more on the way), and the latest will pit the Hundred Acre Wood's resident bear against the most recognizable Disney icon of them all, Mickey Mouse.
Deadline reports that Glenn Douglas Packard (Pitchfork) will direct Mickey vs. Winnie for Untouchables Entertainment and the website iHorror.
According to the official synopsis:
"The film follows two convicts in the 1920s who escape into a cursed forest only to be dragged and consumed into the depths of the dark forest’s muddy heart. “A century later, a group of thrill-seeking friends unknowingly venture into the same woods. Their Airbnb getaway takes a horrifying turn when the convicts mutate into twisted versions of childhood icons Mickey Mouse & Winnie-The-Pooh, and emerge to terrorize them.
A night of violence and gore erupts, as the group of friends battle against their now monstrous beloved childhood characters and fight to break free from the forest’s grip. “In a horrific spectacle, Mickey and Winnie clash, painting the woods in a gruesome tableau of blood—a chilling testament to the curse’s insidious power.”
It sounds like they're at least attempting to do something creative with the concept, so who knows? The recent Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey sequel is actually worth a watch, after all.
Douglas Packard also penned the script.
“Horror fans call for the thrill of witnessing icons like the new Aliens and Avengers sharing the screen. While licensing nightmares make such crossovers rare, Mickey vs. Winnie serves as our tribute to that thrilling fantasy,” he said in a statement.
Producer Anthony Pernicka from iHorror added: “We’re thrilled to unveil this unique take to horror fans. The Mickey Mouse featured in our film is unlike any iteration audiences have encountered before. Our portrayal doesn’t involve characters donning basic masks. Instead, we present deeply transformed, live-action horror renditions of these iconic figures, weaving together elements of innocence and malevolence. After experiencing the intense scenes we’ve crafted, you’ll never look at Mickey the same way again.”
Production is already underway in Michigan. No release date has been announced.
Check out some key art featuring a mash-up of what appears to be a rough version of the character designs below.