Puppet Master 4

Blade, Tunneler, and Pinhead return for a new clash with a swarm of gremlin-like creatures called Totems. These eerie beings are sent by the ancient Egyptian demon Sutekh to reclaim the magic Toulon once hid away. As the puppets face these relentless intruders, a human cast led by Rick Myers and his companions must survive a string of brutal encounters that blur the line between magic and science fiction. Alliances shift as old loyalties are tested and the Puppets reveal new capabilities in the struggle to protect their creator's legacy. The story keeps its daylight goth tone, leaning on creative creature design and practical effects to deliver scares without relying on cinematic flash. Their efforts unravel a dark conspiracy tying Sutekh to Toulon's vaults and the fate of a wider occult network.

Directed by Jeff Burr, Puppet Master 4 slots into the Full Moon roster as a continuation of the Toulon saga. The project draws on ideas from Douglas Aarniokoski, Todd Henschell, and Jo Duffy, extending the franchise for a 1993 home video release.

Box office figures for this direct-to-video title are not publicly disclosed. Released primarily for home viewing in the early 1990s, it circulated within the horror catalog and developed a modest fan base among enthusiasts of the series.

Cultural impact comes from a dedicated cult following among fans of practical effects and B cinema. This installment introduces the Totems as new monstrous designs and keeps the puppets central to the horror, reinforcing the franchise's appeal to collectors and genre aficionados who prefer tangible creatures over CGI.

Reception and themes: Critics were mixed, noting the familiar blend of low budget atmosphere, inventive monsters, and straightforward suspense. The film explores power and control, asking how resurrected magic and ancient beings disrupt modern life while the Toulon puppets wrestle with their creator's legacy and the consequences of magical intervention.