ITN Studios’ twisted Popeye parody turns the beloved sailor into a bloodthirsty maniac in the gory horror comedy Shiver Me Timbers, set to shock audiences with its raunchy slasher thrills.
The first trailer for Shiver Me Timbers, an upcoming low-budget horror parody featuring a bloodthirsty Popeye, has officially dropped, offering a sneak peek at the unexpected transformation of the spinach-powered sailor. ITN Studios, the indie production company behind the film, has taken the bold step of turning the classic animated character into a violent maniac in a dark, twisted slasher comedy.
The trailer follows a growing trend in the horror genre, sparked by the controversial success of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. In this gruesome reimagining, Popeye, known for his hearty appetite for spinach and his cheery, heroic nature, is re-envisioned as a brutal killer with an insatiable thirst for blood. As with other recent horror revamps, Shiver Me Timbers offers a raunchy and over-the-top take on a beloved childhood character, embracing all the gory absurdities that fans of low-budget horror films have come to expect.
Described as a “raunchy and gory slasher,” Shiver Me Timbers takes Popeye to a terrifying new place, far removed from his wholesome origins. In this new version, Popeye’s familiar traits—his love for spinach, his brawny physique, and his distinct voice—are still present, but they are twisted into darker, more sinister qualities. Rather than saving the day, Popeye becomes a menace in a world that blurs the lines between absurdity and terror.
It’s essential to note that Shiver Me Timbers is not part of the “Twisted Childhood Universe” (or “Poohniverse”), which includes other reworked classics like Blood and Honey. This movie stands apart as its own creation, though it follows the same darkly comic tone that has become a hallmark of these re-imagined children’s tales.
Stephen Murphy, who plays Popeye, brings a menacing new interpretation to the character. Under the direction of William Stead, Shiver Me Timbers promises to deliver plenty of shock value, gore, and irreverent humour. The film is produced by Rene August, whose previous work in indie horror promises that Shiver Me Timbers will offer a unique, if somewhat unsettling, viewing experience.
The film taps into the growing trend of turning nostalgic characters into horror icons, a concept that has resonated with a large segment of horror fans who enjoy seeing their childhood favourites transformed into something dark and twisted. With this in mind, Shiver Me Timbers will likely be a polarising film—drawing praise for its creativity and audacity, while also attracting criticism for its brutality and irreverence.
While the trailer offers glimpses of Popeye’s monstrous new persona, it leaves much to the imagination. Will the film live up to its promise of horror-comedy chaos? Only time will tell, but based on the disturbing images shown so far, fans of gory, offbeat humour are in for a wild ride.
The film’s unique concept is sure to spark conversation in horror circles, with many fans eagerly anticipating how Popeye’s trademark strength and oddball nature will be twisted into something far darker than the cartoon character’s original form. Whether this new Popeye will become an iconic horror figure, like Blood and Honey’s Winnie the Pooh, remains to be seen—but it’s clear that Shiver Me Timbers is set to leave a mark on the genre.
Stay tuned for more updates on Shiver Me Timbers and check out the trailer now to get a taste of what promises to be a delightfully grotesque take on a childhood icon.
