Horror Movie Review: Popeye the Slayer Man (2025)

From Robert Michael Ryan comes Popeye the Slayer Man, the dumbest example of the current ‘child-friendly public domain characters being turned into villains’ horror trend, but also one of the best. Yes, you read that right. A horror film that turns the lovable Popeye the Sailor Man into a hulking beast of a killer is actually pretty damn good.

I was as surprised as you, but it’s all because it doesn’t take itself seriously while having some heart and soul, and all because it really leans into the silliness of the character. While finding inventive ways to include iconic aspects of Popeye, and delivering brutal deaths and tons of gore. It might start off slowly, but once it gets going, it’s one hell of a wild and entertaining ride.

Jason Robert Stephens plays the pipe-smoking, spinach-guzzling sailor, a legend said to stalk the abandoned Anchor Bay Cannery. Of course, it’s just a legend, but legends have power and Dexter (Sean Michael Conway) wants to make an indie film about it. Heading off to the factory with his best friend, Lisa (Marie-Louise Boisnier), Olivia (Elena Juliano), and a few others who are definitely not going to have their arms pulled off by Popeye. A solid cast, but barebone characters, I’m afraid.

Who cares though! The legend is real. Popeye does stalk the abandoned factory killing anyone who dares enter. Except there’s more to this sailor than first expected. It seems as though there’s something in the spinach and it might be the reason why Popeye is on a murderous rampage. Or maybe that’s got something to do with his lost love, Olive Oyl and a secret she was carrying.

Yes, Popeye the Slayer Man has a twist, and it’s one everyone should be able to see coming a mile away. That doesn’t make it bad though, especially as the actors sell it accordingly and it gives us both an ending to the film and the possibility of a sequel. The story isn’t anything special overall, but there is one and it’s told well, giving us another reason to enjoy this film. Especially as some of it does tie into Popeye lore, and that’s before I even mention the fun easter eggs throughout.

However, the real reason is that there’s a ton of blood and guts, and it’s very entertaining stuff. I think my favourite death was the scalping, but I also enjoyed the sight of Popeye beating someone to a bloody pulp with their own severed arm. It’s not quite Terrifier levels, but it’s still one hell of a bloody film.

In the end, he is what he is, he’s Popeye the Slayer Man. He’ll rip your arm off, gut you, and crush your head. He is what he is, and this film is definitely worth checking out.