MGM and Orion have a film reboot of ‘Child’s Play’ arriving in June, but the creator of the original film and its numerous sequels, Don Mancini, is moving forward for a TV show called ‘Chucky’ that continues the established continuity, and now that endeavor has a home– Syfy. Producer of the films, David Kirschner, is also attached, as is Nick Antosca, who created Syfy’s horror anthology ‘Channel Zero’. (Kirschner also wrote and produced that series.)
Antosca discussed the collaboration, stating:
“I worked with Don on Hannibal and on Channel Zero for Syfy, so developing Chucky with UCP really feels like coming home. Syfy is the perfect place to tell the next chapter in the Chucky saga and having the original creative team lead the project will help elevate the story we are excited to tell.”
NBCU Cable Entertainment’s president of scripted content, Bill McGoldrick stated:
“It’s very rare that you get the opportunity to bring such an iconic character to your network, let alone with the original creator attached. We look forward to working with Don, David and Nick on putting their blood, sweat, and more blood into bringing the Chucky story to television.”
Mancini added:
“I’ve long wanted to bring Chucky to television and Syfy is the perfect network for us. The show will be a fresh take on the franchise, allowing us to explore Chucky’s character with a depth that is uniquely afforded by the television series format, while staying true to the original vision that has terrorized audiences for over three decades now.”
But perhaps most importantly, Chucky himself discussed his show going to Syfy, stating:
“In these troubled times, I believe it’s my obligation as a horror icon to reach the widest possible audience, on TV. For over 30 years, I’ve been scaring the sh*t out of you. But now at Syfy, I look forward to really making a difference.”
There have been seven ‘Child’s Play’/’Chucky’ movies over the years, most recently ‘Cult of Chucky’ in 2017. Brad Dourif has voiced Chuck– a doll possessed by a serial killed named Charles Lee Ray– from the start.
None of the original creators are involved with the MGM/Orion remake, which is being directed by Lars Klevberg (‘Polaroid’). That picture stars Aubrey Plaza and Brian Tyree Henry and is due in theaters on June 21, 2019.
No word yet on when we can expect the Syfy ‘Chucky’ series, but check back for updates!
