Anchors Aweigh for Horror: Popeye the Slayer Man Stalks Theaters in Spring 2025

He’s strong to the finish when he eats his spinach—or at least, that’s how we used to know him. But, things are about to take a dark turn with Popeye the Slayer Man. This once beloved character trades his green can for something much more sinister. Instead of the hero who stood up for love and justice, we now have a chilling figure roaming abandoned docks and derelict factories, spreading fear wherever he goes.

According to Deadline, this reimagined version from VMI Worldwide is set to premiere at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin next month. After that, it will hit North American theaters in the spring of 2025, thanks to Vantage Media.

In this eerie retelling, the plot follows a group of friends who decide to explore an old spinach canning factory. They want to make a documentary about the eerie tale of the “Sailor Man,” a ghost said to linger in the factory and surrounding docks. What starts as a quest for the truth quickly spirals into chaos, revealing that some legends are true.

Jason Stephens steps into the role of the menacing Popeye, a stark contrast to the spinach-loving hero we once knew. He’s joined by an impressive cast that includes Sean Michael Conway, Elena Juliano, Mabel Thomas, Marie-Louise Boisnier, Jeff Thomas, and Steven McCormack, along with Angela Relucio and Sarah Nicklin.

Director Robert Michael Ryan brings this frightening story to life, based on a screenplay by John Doolan. The creative team also includes Jeff Miller and Cuyle Carvin, with producers such as Miller, Carvin, Alexander Tucker, Nathan Todaro, and Alysa Blasetti. At the same time, Ronnie D. Lee takes on the role of executive producer.

Ryan’s filmmaking style is inspired by classic horror techniques. “We went old-school with this movie, using practical effects for the horror,” he explained. “We wanted the film to have a more visceral feel reminiscent of the classic horror films of the ‘80s.”

Jessica Russo, COO of Productions and Acquisitions at VMI Worldwide, described the project as “a fresh take on a beloved icon.” She added, “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. We’re thrilled to bring this unique and exciting film to EFM, offering buyers something truly unexpected and unforgettable.”

This take on Popeye continues the growing trend of transforming beloved childhood icons into something terrifying. The once-proud spinach factory, a symbol of Popeye’s strength and vitality, becomes nothing more than a haunted, decaying monument to his transformation, while the docks where Popeye once championed justice, now only drip with fear.

With the eagerly awaited premiere at the European Film Market and its North American release coming in spring 2025, Popeye the Slayer Man is sure to carve out its niche in the horror genre.