Two distinct horror reimaginings of the iconic sailor Popeye are on the horizon, with one titled Popeye’s Revenge and the other Popeye the Slayer Man. The latter has made headlines with exciting updates revealed.
Popeye the Slayer Man is set for a North American theatrical release in Spring 2025, distributed by Vantage Media. Additionally, global sales for the film have been taken on by VMI Worldwide, with its world premiere scheduled for next month’s European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.
The plot of Popeye the Slayer Man takes a chilling turn from the beloved character’s usual narrative. It follows a group of friends who break into an abandoned spinach canning factory to document the legend of the “Sailor Man,” rumored to haunt the factory grounds.
“Popeye the Slayer Man’s dark reimagining of the classic Popeye character not only delivers a fresh take on a beloved icon but also showcases its thrilling storytelling and bold visual style,” said Jessica Russo, COO of Productions and Acquisitions at VMI. “We’re thrilled to bring this unique and exciting film to EFM, offering buyers something truly unexpected and unforgettable.”
The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Sean Michael Conway, Elena Juliano, Mabel Thomas, Marie-Louise Boisnier, Jeff Thomas, and Steven McCormack, as well as Angela Relucio (Code Black, The Cabining) and Sarah Nicklin (Nun of That, The Black Mass). Jason Stephens takes on the titular role of the murderous Popeye.
Directed by Robert Michael Ryan (Ouija Witch), the film is based on a screenplay by John Doolan (Remains). Ryan revealed that the production relied heavily on practical effects to evoke the feel of classic 1980s horror films. “We went old-school with this movie, using practical effects for the horror,” Ryan said. “We wanted the film to have a more visceral feel reminiscent of the classic horror films of the ‘80s.”
With a fresh vision, bold storytelling, and an unsettling reimagining of a beloved character, Popeye the Slayer Man promises to leave a lasting impression when it hits theaters in 2025. Fans and horror enthusiasts alike will soon witness a side of Popeye that’s never been seen before.
