New Slasher Villain Takes Center Stage in ‘Punch’ Trailer, Inspired by Historical Puppetry

Prepare for the arrival of a chilling new slasher, “Punch,” set to debut next month, featuring a horror antagonist drawing inspiration from the historical puppet show, Punch and Judy. A newly released trailer offers a glimpse into the killer’s design, modeled after the notorious Mr. Punch character.

“Punch” will carve its way onto Digital and VOD screens on January 16, 2024.

The movie follows Frankie, seeking one last night of revelry in her coastal hometown before returning to university. However, the ominous local legend, Mr. Punch, lurks, leading to chaos as Frankie and her friends fight for survival in this eerie slasher.

Witness Mr. Punch’s menacing pursuit in the trailer above.

Andy Edwards, known for “Midnight Peepshow,” both wrote and directed this spine-chilling feature.

The cast includes Kierston Wareing, May Kelly, Dani Thompson, Jamie Lomas, and Mark Sears, taking the lead in this upcoming horror flick.

The infamous Mr. Punch, alongside his partner Judy, has existed for centuries within the Punch and Judy puppet show, characterized by a blend of slapstick humor and violence. This twisted heritage marks a familiar path for Punch’s entry into the horror genre. Stuart Gordon incorporated a Mr. Punch figure in his fairy tale horror film “Dolls,” while George A. Romero’s “Land of the Dead” featured a scene inspired by Punch and Judy puppets.

The question remains: how will Punch’s transition into slasher territory be received? Stay tuned to witness the outcome.