Bambi Seeks Vengeance in 'Bambi: The Reckoning'
In the world of horror cinema, a new installment is set to send shivers down the spines of audiences everywhere. "Bambi: The Reckoning," a British independent film directed by Dan Allen, is poised to redefine the beloved classic in a chilling and violent manner.
Slated for release in 2025, "Bambi: The Reckoning" is the fourth addition to the "Twisted Childhood Universe" (TCU), a horror franchise that breathes new life into classic children's stories with a dark and violent twist. The film's screenplay is penned by Rhys Warrington.
The plot revolves around Bambi, a young fawn who, after witnessing the brutal murder of his mother by a hunter, embarks on a path of vengeance. His journey leads him to meet Faline, a mate who is fatally run over by a toxic waste truck, and the loss of his offspring. In a tragic turn of events, Bambi drinks contaminated water that mutates him into a ravenous creature.
Fast forward to the present, a mother named Xana and her son Benji find themselves stalked by the vengeful Bambi after a car accident. The story escalates as Bambi attacks the family and hunters, leading to multiple deaths, including some disturbing encounters with mutated animals.
"Bambi: The Reckoning" is produced by Jagged Edge Productions and ITN Studios and distributed by Seismic Releasing. The film's tone is described as a "razor-toothed take" on the original "Bambi," reworking the innocent narrative into a monstrous and deadly rampage.
The film features a talented cast, including Roxanne McKee as Xana, Tom Mulheron as Benji, Nicola Wright as Mary, and Samira Mighty as Harriet, among others. "Bambi: The Reckoning" is expected to be an incredibly dark retelling of the 1928 story, inspired by the creatures from Netflix's The Ritual.
Interestingly, Bambi, like Winnie-the-Pooh, has entered the public domain this year, allowing other creators to use the characters however they want, including dark and gory interpretations. This adaptation follows in the footsteps of Disney's photorealistic adaptations of The Lion King in 2019 and The Jungle Book in 2016.
In a historical note, the original "Bambi," directed by David Hand and produced by Walt Disney, received three Academy Award nominations: Best Sound, Best Song, and Original Music Score. Moreover, it ranked third in animation on the American Film Institute's list of "10 Top 10" in 2008. In 2011, the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress admitted Bambi as being "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."
As we await the release of "Bambi: The Reckoning," it's clear that this film will offer a unique and unsettling take on the classic tale, promising a potentially gory movie with a realistic portrayal of Bambi's mother's death.
The upcoming horror film "Bambi: The Reckoning," set for release in 2025, is expected to generate significant entertainment news, given its gory and violent take on the classic Disney tale. With its release, the net worth of Dan Allen, the director, and the production companies involved, Jagged Edge Productions, ITN Studios, and Seismic Releasing, may see an increase, sparking interest among movie and TV enthusiasts in the industry.
