First Trailer for the Popeye Horror Movie ‘Shiver Me Timbers’ Has Been Released

A new horror-comedy slasher, Shiver Me Timbers, is set to put a terrifying spin on Popeye the Sailor, joining the growing trend of classic characters getting horror makeovers. Directed by Paul Mann and produced by Alpeke Entertainment, the film will hit theaters in the U.S. and Canada on April 1, with Gravitas Ventures handling the release. A brand-new trailer has just been revealed, giving audiences a glimpse of this twisted take on the beloved sailor.

The story follows Olive Oyl, her brother Castor, and a group of friends on a camping trip in Northern California during the summer of 1986. Their goal? To witness the spectacular meteor shower that comes with Halley’s Comet. But their peaceful getaway takes a horrifying turn when a meteor crashes and transforms Popeye into an unstoppable killer. What was meant to be a night of stargazing quickly spirals into a desperate fight for survival.

Drawing inspiration from classic ’80s slasher films, Shiver Me Timbers mixes horror and comedy, delivering over-the-top gore with plenty of nostalgic nods to the era. The film embraces the campy charm of slasher flicks, complete with a group of teenagers making bad decisions, running through the woods, and facing off against a relentless killer. Olive Oyl steps into the role of a determined final girl, fighting back with everything she has—including a chainsaw.

The trailer showcases the film’s gritty, low-budget ’80s aesthetic, setting up Popeye as a tragic figure rather than just a mindless monster. Once a simple fisherman living a quiet life, he becomes a muscular, rage-fueled menace after being struck by the meteor. The footage teases a mix of horror and dark humor, ending with one of Popeye’s iconic catchphrases: “Well, blow me down.”

The cast features Amy Mackie as Olive Oyl, Paul Dwedney as Homeless George, Leona Roberts as Lizzy, and Tony Greer and David Hallows sharing the role of Popeye. Paul Mann, who makes his feature directing debut with this film, has an extensive background in film production and editing. He also appears in a small role while serving as both writer and executive producer, alongside Keith Montgomery and Alastai Statha.

Shiver Me Timbers is the latest in a series of horror takes on Popeye, following Popeye’s Revenge and Popeye the Slayer Man. With a runtime of just 75 minutes, it promises a fast-paced, blood-soaked thrill ride full of slasher movie staples.

You can watch the trailer here:

Will you be watching Shiver Me Timbers when it arrives in April? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!