Last week a horror movie based on the beloved, now public domain, character Popeye the Sailor Man was announced. ITN Studios has released the first trailer and confirmed that the movie’s official title will be “Popeye the Slayer Man.” There is still no confirmation on whether he lives in a garbage can, outside of rumors spread by a children’s song.
He is the latest in a cavalcade of horror movies based on children’s characters including Mickey Mouse, Winnie The Pooh, Bambi, and more.
“Popeye the Slayer Man” is directed by Robert Michael Ryan (“Ouija Witch”) from a screenplay by John Doolan (“Remains”). Ryan, Jeff Miller (“The Toybox”), and Cuyle Carvin (“Ouija Witch”) also contributed to the story.
The film centers around a group of friends who sneak into an abandoned spinach canning factory. They plan to film a documentary on the legend of the ‘Sailor Man,’ who allegedly haunts the factory and docks. That is until they realize, he isn’t just a legend.
The Cast
It stars Jason Stephens (“Girl Meets Boy”) as Popeye, Angela Relucio (“Code Black”), Sarah Nicklin (“The Black Mass”), and Sean Michael Conway (“Sister Wife Murder”). Along with Elena Juliano (“The Killer Closer”), Mabel Thomas (“Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack”), Marie-Louise Boisnier (“Max Payne: Perdition”), Jeff Thomas (“77”), and Steven McCormack (“Harold and the Purple Crayon”).
“We can’t wait for audiences to get a load of this gory and scary version of Popeye, […],” says producer Jeff Miller. “We went old-school and focused on using real practical effects, and not relying on CG for the gore. We’re talking with very enthusiastic and interested buyers now. ”
“Popeye the Slayer Man” is currently slated for release in early 2025. We’ll keep you posted on updates about the project as they become available. You can check out the first trailer below:
