‘Rumpelstiltskin’ Returns with Blood, Gore, and a Deal with the Devil

Get ready for a twisted spin on a childhood classic as Rumpelstiltskin, the latest fantasy horror from director Andy Edwards (Punch, Graphic Desires), makes its World Premiere at FrightFest Glasgow on 8 March 2025. The film, which promises blood, bawdy humour, and a heroine with bite, will hit digital platforms on 7 April, courtesy of Miracle Media.

Starring Hannah Baxter-Eve (Aguska, Escape), Joss Carter (Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, Tarot), and Adrian Bouchet (The Wheel of Time, The Last Kingdom), Edwards’ retelling reimagines the infamous imp with a wickedly dark edge. This version blends grotesque fairy-tale terror with modern grit, bringing eye-popping practical effects and a female lead who shreds the damsel-in-distress trope to pieces.

In this fresh take on the Brothers Grimm tale, Evaline (Hannah Baxter-Eve) finds herself trapped in a sinister bargain after her father’s greed and lies place her at the mercy of a gold-obsessed king (Colin Malone). Desperate to escape her fate, she accepts the help of a masked trickster, Rumpelstiltskin (Joss Carter), who offers to spin straw into gold at a terrible price. But when the deal spirals out of control and the Devil himself enters the fray, all bets are off, and Evaline’s fight for survival becomes something far more monstrous.

Director Andy Edwards is known for infusing genre cinema with wit and chaos, and Rumpelstiltskin looks set to continue that trend. The film’s special effects, blending old-school prosthetics with gnarly gore, have already garnered buzz, with critics from early festival previews praising its devilishly delightful visuals and a potty-mouthed heroine with plenty of bite.

The cast brings a punch of their own. Hannah Baxter-Eve delivers a sharp-edged performance as Evaline, while Joss Carter transforms Rumpelstiltskin into a nightmare-inducing figure with a wicked grin and a cruel streak. Adrian Bouchet brings his regal menace to the role of the King, whose greed sets off a deadly chain of events.

With its mix of grim fairy-tale horror and sharp humour, Rumpelstiltskin is poised to become a cult favourite. Edwards, who has built his reputation with genre-bending films, has described the project as a chance to turn a well-worn fairy tale into something gnarlier, darker, and a hell of a lot more fun than the bedtime stories we remember.

The film premieres at FrightFest Glasgow on 8 March, with digital release following on 7 April through Miracle Media.