The public domain horror ship keeps on sailing, with Popeye the Slayer Man heading to U.S. theaters this spring via Vantage Media.
Per Deadline, VMI Worldwide will handle worldwide distribution on the nautical slasher, which will have its world premiere screening in the market at next month’s EFM in Berlin.
Robert Michael Ryan (Ouija Witch) directs Popeye the Slayer Man from a screenplay by John Doolan (Remains), with Jeff Miller (The Toybox), Cuyle Carvin (Ouija Witch), and Ryan also contributing to the story.
This film follows a group of friends who sneak into an abandoned spinach canning factory to film a documentary on the legend of the ‘Sailor Man,’ who is said to haunt the factory and local docks.
Sean Michael Conway, Elena Juliano, Mabel Thomas, Marie-Louise Boisnier, Jeff Thomas, and Steven McCormack star, along with Angela Relucio (Code Black, The Cabining) and Sarah Nicklin (Nun of That, The Black Mass). Jason Stephens plays the titular role of the muscly maniac.
Director Ryan teases that Popeye the Slayer Man is tapping into the glory days of horror:
“We went old-school with this movie, using practical effects for the horror […] We wanted the film to have a more visceral feel reminiscent of the classic horror films of the ‘80s.”
Jessica Russo, COO, Productions and Acquisitions at VMI, has this to say of the acquisition:
“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,”
Look out for Popeye the Slayer Man in theaters near you this spring. For more 2025 horror news, read our rundown of this year's most anticipated releases.
