Jump to content

Child's Play (franchise): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Tag: Reverted
Line 176: Line 176:
}}
}}


===''Chucky'' (2021–2024)===
===''Chucky'' (2021–present)===
{{Main|Chucky (TV series)}}
{{Main|Chucky (TV series)}}
A television series adaptation, titled ''Chucky'', was released on October 12, 2021, with involvement from franchise creator [[Don Mancini]] and producer [[David Kirschner]]. The show aired on [[Syfy]] and [[USA Network]] and shares continuity with the original film series, and is a continuation of that story. Mancini stated that besides the TV series, feature films will still continue to be developed.<ref name="comingsoon.net"/> [[Brad Dourif]] returned to voice Charles Lee "Chucky" Ray.<ref name="TVSeries">{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3505915/don-mancini-teases-childs-play-tv-series-coming-soon|title=Don Mancini Teases "Child's Play: The TV Series", Coming Soon!|first=John|last=Squires|date=22 June 2018|website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref> Executive producers of the series include [[David Kirschner]] and [[Nick Antosca]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chucky-tv-show-slashing-onto-syfy-along-with-two-other-genre-pilots|title=Chucky TV show slashing onto SYFY along with two other genre pilots|first=Josh|last=Weiss|date=January 29, 2019|website=Syfy Wire|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227074153/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chucky-tv-show-slashing-onto-syfy-along-with-two-other-genre-pilots|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3546176/working-title-syfys-childs-play-tv-series-chucky-will-center-new-characters/|title=The Working Title of Syfy's 'Child's Play' TV Series is "Chucky", Which Will Center on New Characters|last=Squires|first=John|date=2019-02-12|website=Bloody Disgusting!|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref><ref name="Mancini-2020">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RealDonMancini/status/1121942431996366848|title=TV series! 2020!|first=Don|last=Mancini|date=26 April 2019}}</ref> Mancini directed and wrote the first episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/new-chucky-series-trailer-teaser-syfy-usa/|title='Chucky' Series Teaser Offers a First Look at SYFY's New Take on the Franchise|work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|first=Tom|last=Reimann|date=July 17, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>
A television series adaptation, titled ''Chucky'', was released on October 12, 2021, with involvement from franchise creator [[Don Mancini]] and producer [[David Kirschner]]. The show aired on [[Syfy]] and [[USA Network]] and shares continuity with the original film series, and is a continuation of that story. Mancini stated that besides the TV series, feature films will still continue to be developed.<ref name="comingsoon.net"/> [[Brad Dourif]] returned to voice Charles Lee "Chucky" Ray.<ref name="TVSeries">{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3505915/don-mancini-teases-childs-play-tv-series-coming-soon|title=Don Mancini Teases "Child's Play: The TV Series", Coming Soon!|first=John|last=Squires|date=22 June 2018|website=Bloody Disgusting}}</ref> Executive producers of the series include [[David Kirschner]] and [[Nick Antosca]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chucky-tv-show-slashing-onto-syfy-along-with-two-other-genre-pilots|title=Chucky TV show slashing onto SYFY along with two other genre pilots|first=Josh|last=Weiss|date=January 29, 2019|website=Syfy Wire|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227074153/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chucky-tv-show-slashing-onto-syfy-along-with-two-other-genre-pilots|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3546176/working-title-syfys-childs-play-tv-series-chucky-will-center-new-characters/|title=The Working Title of Syfy's 'Child's Play' TV Series is "Chucky", Which Will Center on New Characters|last=Squires|first=John|date=2019-02-12|website=Bloody Disgusting!|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref><ref name="Mancini-2020">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RealDonMancini/status/1121942431996366848|title=TV series! 2020!|first=Don|last=Mancini|date=26 April 2019}}</ref> Mancini directed and wrote the first episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/new-chucky-series-trailer-teaser-syfy-usa/|title='Chucky' Series Teaser Offers a First Look at SYFY's New Take on the Franchise|work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|first=Tom|last=Reimann|date=July 17, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:27, 4 September 2024

Child's Play
Logo from the original Child's Play film
The new Chucky logo
Child's Play logo as used in the original film (top) and the Chucky logo (bottom)
Created byDon Mancini
Original workChild's Play (1988)
OwnersMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer (first film and remake only)
Universal Pictures (sequels and television series only)
Print publications
ComicsList of comics
Films and television
Film(s)List of films
Short film(s)
Television seriesChucky (2021–present)
Games
Video game(s)Chucky: Slash & Dash (2013)
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s)List of theme park attractions

Child's Play (also known colloquially as Chucky) is an American slasher media franchise created by Don Mancini. The films mainly focus on Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif in the original films and television series, and Mark Hamill in the reboot), a notorious serial killer who frequently escapes death by performing a voodoo ritual to transfer his soul into a "Good Guy" doll. The original film, Child's Play, was released on November 9, 1988. The film has spawned six sequels, a television series, a remake, comic books, a video game, and tie-in merchandise. The first, second, and fourth films were box office successes with all of the films earning over $182 million worldwide. Including revenues from sales of videos, DVDs, VOD and merchandise, the franchise has generated over $250 million.[1] It also won a Saturn Award for Best Horror Franchise.

The television series titled Chucky began airing on October 12, 2021, on Syfy and USA Network.[2]

Several short films have been made featuring the Chucky character: on the DVD release of Seed of Chucky, a short film entitled Chucky's Vacation Slides, set after the shooting of the film, was included, and a series of short films inserting Chucky into the events of other horror films entitled Chucky Invades was released in the run-up to the release of Curse of Chucky. On television, Chucky has appeared in commercials and also on Saturday Night Live, with a separate voice actor voicing the character. Chucky appeared in a pre-taped segment during an October 1998 episode of World Championship Wrestling's Monday Nitro program as a heel, taunting wrestler Rick Steiner who was a face at the time and promoting Bride of Chucky. He later appeared on WWE's NXT program for the special "Halloween Havoc" episodes in October 2021 and 2022, in which Chucky served as a host to announce several of the matches. These appearances were to promote the Chucky TV series.

Films

Film U.S. release date Director(s) Screenwriter(s) Producer(s) Distributed by
Original series
Child's Play November 9, 1988 (1988-11-09) Tom Holland Don Mancini
John Lafia
Tom Holland
David Kirschner Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
United Artists
Child's Play 2 November 9, 1990 (1990-11-09) John Lafia Don Mancini Universal Pictures
Child's Play 3 August 30, 1991 (1991-08-30) Jack Bender Robert Latham Brown
Bride of Chucky October 16, 1998 (1998-10-16) Ronny Yu David Kirschner
Grace Gilroy
Seed of Chucky November 11, 2004 (2004-11-11) Don Mancini David Kirschner
Corey Sienega
Rogue Pictures
Curse of Chucky September 24, 2013 (2013-09-24)[a] David Kirschner Universal Pictures
Cult of Chucky October 3, 2017 (2017-10-03) David Kirschner
Ogden Gavanski
Reboot
Child's Play June 21, 2019 (2019-06-21) Lars Klevberg Tyler Burton Smith David Katzenberg
Seth Grahame-Smith
United Artists Releasing
Orion Pictures
Chucky: Complete 7-Movie Collection UK Blu-ray set

Child's Play (1988)

Directed by Tom Holland from a story by Holland, John Lafia, and Don Mancini, Child's Play was released on November 9, 1988. It was the first film in the series and the only film (not counting the 2019 reboot) to be distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists before the franchise was sold to Universal Pictures. The film starred Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Brad Dourif, and Alex Vincent in his first film performance.

Gunned down by Detective Mike Norris, dying murderer Charles Lee Ray uses voodoo magic to put his soul inside a doll named Chucky—which Karen Barclay buys for her young son, Andy. When Chucky kills Andy's babysitter, the boy realizes the doll is alive and tries to warn people, but he's institutionalized. Now Karen must convince the detective of the murderous doll's intentions, before Andy becomes Chucky's next victim.

Child's Play 2 (1990)

Directed by John Lafia, from a story by Don Mancini, and released on November 9, 1990, Child's Play 2 is the second film in the series and the first film produced by Universal Pictures. The film sees Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif reprise their respective roles as Andy Barclay and the voice of Chucky, while Christine Elise plays Andy's foster sister, Kyle.

Two years after serial killer Charles Lee Ray inserted his soul into a Chucky doll, a toy company attempts to re-create the doll, bringing Ray back in the process. The possessed doll, intent on claiming a human body, kills his way toward former owner Andy, who now lives in a foster home. Andy's foster sister, Kyle, tries to protect him, but his foster parents believe Andy is just a troubled kid—and Chucky's murderous path continues.

Child's Play 3 (1991)

Directed by Jack Bender from a story by Don Mancini and released on August 30, 1991, Child's Play 3[3] is the third and last film in the series to be titled Child's Play, as all future installments would later use the title Chucky (prior to the 2019 reboot). The film saw Justin Whalin (replacing Alex Vincent) as Andy Barclay, while Perrey Reeves and Jeremy Sylvers play new characters Kristin De Silva and Ronald Tyler. Brad Dourif reprised his role as the voice of Chucky, becoming the only actor to appear in all films.

It's been years since Chucky, the doll with the soul and the voice of a psychopathic killer, was apparently destroyed at a doll factory. Now Chucky's manufacturer is remaking the same line of toys with the old, still haunted materials. This resurrects Chucky, who goes after Andy, his former owner, who now attends military school. Chucky slashes his way through a string of grotesque murders as Andy tries to stop the homicidal doll and the spirit within it.

Bride of Chucky (1998)

Directed by Ronny Yu from a story by Don Mancini and released on October 16, 1998, Bride of Chucky is the fourth film in the franchise, and the first film to be titled Chucky. The film once again sees Brad Dourif reprising his role of Chucky, while Jennifer Tilly, Nick Stabile, and Katherine Heigl play new characters. Unlike the first three films, this film focuses almost entirely on the titular dolls.

After being cut apart in the previous film, killer doll Chucky is resurrected by Tiffany, his ex-girlfriend. Following an argument, Chucky kills Tiffany, transferring her soul into a bride doll. To find the magical amulet that can restore them both to human form, Chucky and Tiffany arrange to be driven to New Jersey by Jesse and Jade, a teenage couple who are unaware that their cargo is alive.

Seed of Chucky (2004)

Directed and written by Don Mancini and released on November 11, 2004, Seed of Chucky is the fifth installment of the series and the second film not to be distributed by Universal Pictures. The film stars Brad Dourif, reprising his role as Chucky, Jennifer Tilly, reprising her role as Tiffany Valentine, while also playing a fictional version of herself, and Billy Boyd as their child, Glen/Glenda.

Gentle Glen is a ventriloquist's dummy, the offspring of evil dolls Chucky and Tiffany, both of whom are now deceased. When the orphaned Glen hears that a film is being made about his parents, he goes to Hollywood and resurrects them in an attempt to get to know them better. He is horrified when his parents embark on a new mass assassination, and Chucky is equally horrified that his son has no taste for evil.

Curse of Chucky (2013)

Directed and written by Don Mancini and released on October 8, 2013, Curse of Chucky is the sixth film in the series, and the first direct-to-video installment. It stars Brad Dourif, reprising the role from previous films, while his daughter, Fiona Dourif, plays new character Nica Pierce.

Looking for revenge, Chucky the killer doll infiltrates and terrorizes the family of a woman, her sister, and her young niece.

Cult of Chucky (2017)

Directed and written by Don Mancini, and released on October 3, 2017, Cult of Chucky is the seventh installment and the second direct-to-video film in the franchise. It stars Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Alex Vincent, and Fiona Dourif, all reprising the roles from previous films in the franchise.

Chucky returns to terrorize his human victim, Nica, who is confined to an asylum for the criminally insane. Meanwhile, the killer doll has some scores to settle with his old enemies, with the help of his former wife.

Child's Play (2019)

Directed by Lars Klevberg, Child's Play (2019) is a remake and reboot of the original film. It is the first and only film to not feature longtime Chucky actor Brad Dourif. It stars Aubrey Plaza, Gabriel Bateman, and Mark Hamill playing new versions of characters from the original film. In this film, Chucky is not a doll possessed by a serial killer but instead an AI-powered Buddi doll.[4]

After moving to a new city, young Andy Barclay receives a special present from his mother—a seemingly innocent Buddi doll that becomes his best friend. When the doll suddenly takes on a life of its own, Andy unites with other neighborhood children to stop the sinister toy from wreaking havoc.

Future

In October 2017, Don Mancini stated that he intends to have Glen and Glenda from Seed of Chucky return in a future film, and acknowledged that most references to that character had been cut from Cult of Chucky.[5] Child's Play television series continuation Chucky was released in October 2021 and Mancini said that following the TV show, feature films will continue to be developed in the future.[6][7]

In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, Mancini discussed the potential of a Child's Play film set on a train,[8] as well as revealing plans for a crossover film with the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, tentatively referred to as Child's Play on Elm Street.[9]

I would like to do Freddy and Chucky, just because I think they would be a fun double act. I'm more really interested in the characters. My pitch for Freddy vs. Chucky is Child's Play on Elm Street. Chucky ends up in some kid's house on Elm Street, and Chucky and Freddy inevitably meet in the dreamscape. Chucky sleeps. Why not? Chucky sleeps, Chucky dreams. And they have this admiration for each other. But they realize quickly that Elm Street isn't big enough for the two of them, so in a riff on Dirty Rotten Scoundrels they have a contest: who can kill the most teenagers before the sun comes up?

Mancini confirmed his intent to make the crossover film, describing it as "cool and doable", saying that the film would be titled Child's Play on Elm Street and that he was in discussion with New Line Cinema about the film.[10] The foundation for a crossover film was previously laid in Bride of Chucky, in which Freddy Krueger's bladed glove had appeared in the Lockport police evidence depository at the beginning of the film.[11]

In March 2024, Don Mancini announced he is in early stages of development on a new Chucky movie that would work in tandem with the series.[12]

Television

SeriesSeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
Chucky18October 12, 2021 (2021-10-12)November 30, 2021 (2021-11-30)
28October 5, 2022 (2022-10-05)November 23, 2022 (2022-11-23)
3[13]84October 4, 2023 (2023-10-04)[14]October 25, 2023 (2023-10-25)[14]
4April 10, 2024 (2024-04-10)[14]May 1, 2024 (2024-05-01)

Chucky (2021–present)

A television series adaptation, titled Chucky, was released on October 12, 2021, with involvement from franchise creator Don Mancini and producer David Kirschner. The show aired on Syfy and USA Network and shares continuity with the original film series, and is a continuation of that story. Mancini stated that besides the TV series, feature films will still continue to be developed.[6] Brad Dourif returned to voice Charles Lee "Chucky" Ray.[15] Executive producers of the series include David Kirschner and Nick Antosca.[16][17][18] Mancini directed and wrote the first episode.[19]

In addition to Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly reprised her roles, as both herself and as Tiffany Valentine in the series. Fiona Dourif reprises her roles as Nica and Chucky. Billy Boyd as Glen and Glenda, Alex Vincent and Christine Elise McCarthy reprised their roles as Andy Barclay and Kyle.[20][21] Other cast members include Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Björgvin Arnarson, Devon Sawa,[22] Lexa Doig and Barbara Alyn Woods.[23][24]

Short films

Film U.S. release date Director(s) Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
Chucky's Vacation Slides 2005 Don Mancini David Kirschner
Chucky Invades 2013 Don Mancini David Kirschner

Chucky's Vacation Slides (2005)

On the home media DVD and Blu-ray release of Seed of Chucky in 2005, a short film entitled Chucky's Vacation Slides was included in the special features. The short, set after the shooting of Seed of Chucky, follows the movie stars Chucky, Tiffany, and Glen after having returned from a family vacation. While browsing through their photographs of their vacation on a slide projector, Tiffany notices various corpses in the background of certain photographs, realizing that Chucky has been killing people again. Tiffany leaves, with a distraught and sickened Glen, while Chucky continues to view the photographs. After a delivery man arrives with a pizza, Chucky leads him to his garage and kills him off-screen. Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly and Billy Boyd all reprise their roles from the films.

Chucky Invades (2013)

Leading up to the DVD release of Curse of Chucky in 2013, a series of short film videos were released. The clips showed Chucky interrupting the events of several other horror films. Brad Dourif and Edan Gross reprised their roles as Chucky and the Good Guys Doll, respectively.

Cast and crew

Principal cast

List indicator(s)
  • A dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film or that the character's presence in the film has not yet been announced.
  • A indicates an appearance through archival footage taken from a previous film in the franchise.
  • C indicates a cameo appearance.
  • H indicates an appearance as the human form of an occasionally non-human character.
  • V indicates a voice-only role.
  • Y indicates a younger version of a character
Character Film series Television series Reboot
Child's Play Child's Play 2 Child's Play 3 Bride of Chucky Seed of Chucky Curse of Chucky Cult of Chucky Season 1 Season 2 Season 3[27] Child's Play
1988 1990 1991 1998 2004 2013 2017 2021 2022 2023[27] 2019
Chucky Brad DourifVH Brad DourifV Brad DourifV Brad DourifVH Brad DourifV
Fiona DourifH
Brad DourifV
David KohlsmithY
Tyler BarishY
Fiona DourifVHY
Mark HamillV
Edan GrossV Edan GrossV
Andy Barclay Alex Vincent Justin Whalin
Alex VincentYP
  Alex VincentC Alex Vincent Gabriel Bateman
Karen Barclay Catherine Hicks Catherine HicksP Catherine HicksP Aubrey Plaza
Detective Mike Norris Chris Sarandon Mentioned   Chris SarandonAP Brian Tyree Henry
Kyle   Christine Elise Mentioned   Christine EliseP Christine EliseC Christine Elise Mentioned
Mr. Christopher Sullivan / Henry Kaslan   Peter Haskell Tim Matheson
Tiffany Valentine
Jennifer Tilly
  Jennifer TillyVH Jennifer Tilly
Blaise CrockerY
Jennifer Tilly  
Glen Tilly   Infant cameo Billy BoydV Beans El-BalawiH   Lachlan Watson
Billy BoydV
Mentioned  
Glenda Tilly   Kristina HewittH  
Nica Pierce   Fiona Dourif  
Alice Pierce   Summer H. Howell Summer H. HowellVH  
Jake Wheeler   Zackary Arthur  
Devon Evans   Björgvin Arnarson  
Lexy Cross   Alyvia Alyn Lind  
Junior Wheeler   Teo Briones  


Crew

Role Original series Reboot Television series
Child's Play Child's Play 2 Child's Play 3 Bride of Chucky Seed of Chucky Curse of Chucky Cult of Chucky Child's Play Chucky
1988 1990 1991 1998 2004 2013 2017 2019 2021–present
Director Tom Holland John Lafia Jack Bender Ronny Yu Don Mancini Lars Klevberg Don Mancini
Writer(s) Don Mancini
John Lafia
Tom Holland
Don Mancini Tyler Burton Smith
Producer(s) David Kirschner Robert Latham Brown David Kirschner David Kirschner David Kirschner
Ogden Gavanski
Seth Grahame-Smith
David Katzenberg
Executive producer
Don Mancini
David Kirschner
Grace Gilroy Corey Sienega Nick Antosca
Composer(s) Joe Renzetti Graeme Revell Cory Lerios
John D'Andrea
Graeme Revell Pino Donaggio Joseph LoDuca Bear McCreary Josesph LoDuca
Cinematography Bill Butler Stefan Czapsky John R. Leonetti Peter Pau Vernon Layton Michael Marshall Brendan Uegama Colin Hoult
Editor(s) Edward Warschilka
Roy E. Peterson
Edward Warschilka Scott Wallace
Edward A. Warschilka Jr.
David Wu
Randy Bricker
Chris Dickens James Coblentz Randy Bricker Tom Elkins Mike Harrelson
Production company United Artists[28] Living Doll Productions[29] Universal Pictures[30] David Kirschner Productions[31] La Sienega Productions[32] Universal 1440 Entertainment
David Kirschner Productions
Orion Pictures
KatzSmith Productions
Universal Television
David Kirschner Productions
Distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United Artists Universal Pictures Rogue / Relativity Media Universal Pictures Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / United Artists Releasing NBCUniversal Television Distribution

Reception

Box office performance

The Child's Play series, when compared to the other top-grossing American horror series—A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Saw, Scream, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre—and adjusting for 2023 inflation, is last in box office performance at $305.2 million.[33]

Halloween is the highest-grossing horror series in the United States at approximately $1.09 billion.[34][35] Next in line is Friday the 13th at $908.4 million,[36] followed by the Nightmare on Elm Street series with $793.5 million.[37] The Scream film series is in fourth place with $779.5 million,[38] followed by the Saw series with $688.3 million,[39] and 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with $459.7 million.[40]

Film Release date Box office revenue Budget Reference
North America Other territories Worldwide Worldwide adjusted
Child's Play November 9, 1988 $33,244,684 $10,952,000 $44,196,684 $83,933,325 $9,000,000 [41][42]
Child's Play 2 November 9, 1990 $28,501,605 $7,262,000 $35,763,605 $64,740,8729 $13,000,000 [43][44]
Child's Play 3 August 30, 1991 $14,960,255 $5,600,000 $20,560,255 $35,716,113 $13,000,000 [45]
Bride of Chucky October 16, 1998 $32,404,188 $18,288,000 $50,692,188 $73,581,099 $25,000,000 [46][47]
Seed of Chucky November 12, 2004 $17,083,732 $7,745,912 $24,829,644 $31,099,354 $12,000,000 [48]
Child's Play June 21, 2019 $29,208,403 $15,693,834 $44,902,237 $44,902,237 $10,000,000 [49]
Total $126,194,464 $49,847,912 $205,250,779 $333,973,000 $64,000,000(E)
List indicator(s)
  • (E) indicates an estimated figure based on available numbers.

Critical and public response

Film Critical Public
Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore[50]
Child's Play (1988) 74% (54 reviews)[51] 58 (18 reviews)[52] B
Child's Play 2 40% (15 reviews)[53] 37 (16 reviews)[54] A-
Child's Play 3 19% (16 reviews)[55] 27 (13 reviews)[56]
Bride of Chucky 48% (42 reviews)[57] 48 (17 reviews)[58] B
Seed of Chucky 34% (76 reviews)[59] 46 (17 reviews)[60] C+
Curse of Chucky 79% (19 reviews)[61] 58 (5 reviews)[62]
Cult of Chucky 81% (26 reviews)[63] 69 (5 reviews)[64]
Child's Play (2019) 63% (208 reviews)[65] 48 (35 reviews)[66] C+

Controversies

The following crimes have been associated with the Child's Play films:

In December 1992, four people who tortured and killed 16-year-old Suzanne Capper were said to be influenced by one of the Child's Play films. During the torturing of the girl, the perpetrators taunted her by playing her a song, ("Hi, I'm Chucky (Wanna Play?)") by 150 Volts, featuring samples from the film Child's Play.[67]

In 1993, two youths who abducted and murdered a toddler named James Bulger were said to have been influenced by the film Child's Play 3. The supposed link between the murder and the film was denied by film censor James Ferman.[68]

According to a relative of two boys aged 10 and 12 who brutally attacked a nine-year-old and 11-year-old boy in Edlington, South Yorkshire in April 2009, the attackers watched horror movies, including Chucky films, from the age of about six or seven.[69]

Elena Lobacheva, a Russian serial killer arrested in 2015, was reportedly obsessed with the film Bride of Chucky, which she cited as being an inspiration for the murders that she and her gang committed throughout Moscow.[70]

In August 2019, billboards and posters promoting the 2019 Child's Play reboot were pulled in New Zealand after a complaint was submitted to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for being inappropriate. The complaint was made mostly with concern for the region of Canterbury, claiming the advertisements are potentially traumatizing among children by reminding them of that region's high suicide rates, the various earthquakes that occurred, and the Christchurch mosque shootings. The ad depicted Chucky with red glowing eyes and a knife, the latter being intentionally obscured by the title. The poster was deemed not to cause any harm among the population, but the ASA concluded it would be frightening for children.[71]

Music

Joe Renzetti composed the first Child's Play, followed by Graeme Revell, who composed the soundtrack for Child's Play 2 and Bride of Chucky. John D'Andrea and Cory Lerios wrote the score for Child's Play 3, while Pino Donaggio composed Seed of Chucky. Joseph LoDuca composed the score for Curse of Chucky, Cult of Chucky, and Chucky.

Other media

Comics

Innovation Publishing

Beginning in 1992, Innovation Publishing released the first comic books based on the films, in the form of a three-issue adaptation of Child's Play 2. It was later collected in a trade paperback. The success of the adaptation led to a monthly series of new stories starting in 1991. The series, titled Child's Play: The Series, ended in 1992 after only five issues. This was followed by a three-issue adaptation of Child's Play 3.

Devil's Due Publishing

In 2007, Devil's Due Publishing obtained the license to publish Child's Play comics and released a one-shot crossover with Hack/Slash titled Hack/Slash vs. Chucky which takes place after the events of the Seed of Chucky film. This was followed by a four-issue series called Chucky. A second volume began in early 2009 but ceased publication after only one issue.

Video games

Slimstown Studios made an endless runner video game titled Chucky: Slash & Dash. The game was released on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices. It is the result of an agreement with Universal Partnerships & Licensing to develop and publish the first officially licensed smartphone and tablet Child's Play video game. The gameplay is actually inspired by the second film's climax.

In the game, Chucky is stuck in a never-ending nightmare in which he's endlessly running through the factory that produces Good Guys dolls. Players control Chucky while sprinting through the factory floor, the catwalks, the warehouse, or even outside, and need to avoid conveyor belts, forklifts, acid pools, barrels and other obstacles. Chucky can also eliminate security guards patrolling the factory using his classic knife or other more outlandish weapons like a cleaver, screwdriver, or hatchet. As they play, gamers collect batteries that can be used to purchase in-game items or power-ups, such as a double battery bonus, a fast start, or extra lives that can extend a run after dying.[72]

Chucky and Tiffany are featured in the asymmetrical horror video game Dead By Daylight as playable characters starting on November 28, 2023.

Universal theme park attractions

Since 1992, Chucky has starred in his own shows at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, entitled, Chucky's In-Your-Face Insults and Chucky's Insult Emporium.

In 2009, the climax of Child's Play 3 received its own maze, entitled Chucky's Fun House. Curse of Chucky has also received its own Scarezone in the 2013 lineup.[73] In 2017, Chucky was the host of the Hollywood event's Terror Tram, joining Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface in terrorizing guests as a promotion for the then-new Cult of Chucky film. The following year, he featured in his own Scarezone at the Orlando event. In 2023, Chucky received a Haunted House based on the television series.[74]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The film originally debuted on VOD before later being released on DVD and Blu-ray.

References

  1. ^ Bryan Alexander (October 8, 2013). "After 25 years, Chucky is both a blessing and a 'Curse'". USA Today. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  2. ^ Clark Collins (January 5, 2017). "Cult of Chucky: Horror sequel plot details, teaser video revealed". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  3. ^ Faux, Ronald; Frost, Bill (1993-11-25). "Boys guilty of Bulger murder". The Times. London. Retrieved 2011-04-21.
  4. ^ Bastién, Angelica Jade (June 21, 2019). "Child's Play Has Lost Its Impish Spark and Gained Artificial Intelligence". Vulture.com. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  5. ^ "Interview: Don Mancini Talks CULT OF CHUCKY and the Enduring Controversy of SEED OF CHUCKY – Daily Dead". Dailydead.com. October 5, 2017. Retrieved October 28, 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Child's Play TV series coming – Coming Soon". Coming soon.net. February 9, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  7. ^ "'Chucky' first look: Get a killer tease of horror icon's TV show". Entertainment Weekly.
  8. ^ Referred to as Chucky on the Orient Express.
  9. ^ Brad Miska (October 28, 2014). "'Child's Play' On a Train? Freddy Vs. Chucky? Don Mancini Dreams…". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  10. ^ "Child Play's Writer Has The Best Idea For A Chucky Crossover With Freddy Krueger". 17 August 2017.
  11. ^ Langshaw, Mark (26 October 2017). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Chucky". WhatCulture.com.
  12. ^ "New Chucky Movie Confirmed". Horror. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
  13. ^ Porter, Rick (January 15, 2023). "'Chucky', 'Reginald the Vampire' Renewed at Syfy". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c Collis, Clark (2023-08-17). "Watch Chucky announce Chucky season 3 premiere date at foul-mouthed press conference". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  15. ^ Squires, John (22 June 2018). "Don Mancini Teases "Child's Play: The TV Series", Coming Soon!". Bloody Disgusting.
  16. ^ Weiss, Josh (January 29, 2019). "Chucky TV show slashing onto SYFY along with two other genre pilots". Syfy Wire. Archived from the original on December 27, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  17. ^ Squires, John (2019-02-12). "The Working Title of Syfy's 'Child's Play' TV Series is "Chucky", Which Will Center on New Characters". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2019-02-13.
  18. ^ Mancini, Don (26 April 2019). "TV series! 2020!".
  19. ^ Reimann, Tom (July 17, 2020). "'Chucky' Series Teaser Offers a First Look at SYFY's New Take on the Franchise". Collider. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  20. ^ Perry, Spencer (April 6, 2021). "Chucky TV Series Brings Back Original Child's Play Star Alex Vincent". Comicbook.com.
  21. ^ Busch, Caitlin (July 16, 2021). "Chucky is slashing his way to SYFY & USA with a new series on Oct. 12". Syfy Wire.
  22. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 5, 2021). "'Chucky': Jennifer Tilly, Devon Sawa, Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind & Björgvin Arnarson Set For USA/Syfy Series Reboot". Deadline Hollywood.
  23. ^ Weiss, Josh (April 2, 2021). "Chucky: Lexa Doig cast in SYFY and USA TV series". Syfy Wire.
  24. ^ Burlingame, Russ (April 2, 2021). "Child's Play TV Series Chucky Casts Arrow Star". Comicbook.com.
  25. ^ Movieclips Trailers (1 October 2013). Chucky Invades Psycho – Horror Movie MashUp (2013) Film HD. Archived from the original on 2021-11-07 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ Movieclips Trailers (4 October 2013). Chucky Invades The Purge – Horror Movie MashUp (2013) Film HD. Archived from the original on 2021-11-07 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ a b Porter, Rick (January 15, 2023). "'Chucky,' 'Reginald the Vampire' Renewed at Syfy". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  28. ^ "Child's Play (1988)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  29. ^ "Child's Play 2 (1990)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  30. ^ "Child's Play 3 (1991)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  31. ^ "Bride of Chucky (1998)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  32. ^ "Seed of Chucky (2004)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  33. ^ "Child's Play box office rankings". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  34. ^ "Tom's Inflation Calculator". Halfhill.com. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
  35. ^ "Halloween box office rankings". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  36. ^ "Friday the 13th box office ranking". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  37. ^ "A Nightmare on Elm Street box office rankings". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  38. ^ "Scream box office rankings". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  39. ^ "Saw box office rankings". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  40. ^ "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre box office rankings". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  41. ^ "Child's Play (1988)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  42. ^ "Child's Play (1988)". The-Numbers. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  43. ^ "Child's Play 2 (1990)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  44. ^ "Movie Child's Play 2 – Box Office Data". The Numbers. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  45. ^ "Child's Play 3 (1991)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  46. ^ "Bride of Chucky (1998)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  47. ^ "Bride of Chucky – Box Office Data". The Numbers. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  48. ^ "Seed of Chucky (2004)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  49. ^ Child's Play (2019) Box Office data
  50. ^ "CinemaScore". CinemaScore. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  51. ^ "Child's Play". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  52. ^ "Child's Play". Metacritic.
  53. ^ "Child's Play 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  54. ^ "Child's Play 2". Metacritic.
  55. ^ "Child's Play 3". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  56. ^ "Child's Play 3". Metacritic.
  57. ^ "Bride of Chucky". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  58. ^ "Bride of Chucky". Metacritic.
  59. ^ "Seed of Chucky". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  60. ^ "Seed of Chucky". Metacritic.
  61. ^ "Curse of Chucky". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  62. ^ "Curse of Chucky". Metacritic.
  63. ^ "Cult of Chucky". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  64. ^ "Cult of Chucky". Metacritic.
  65. ^ "Child's Play (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  66. ^ "Child's Play (2019)". Metacritic.
  67. ^ Davis, Carol Anne (2007). Sadistic Killers: Profiles of pathological predators. Chichester: Summersdale Publishing. pp. 298–304. ISBN 978-1-84024-581-3.
  68. ^ "Film censor Ferman dies". BBC News. December 25, 2002. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  69. ^ "Boys' mother 'fed them cannabis'". BBC News. September 3, 2009. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  70. ^ McIntyre, Niamh (26 October 2017). "Bride of Chucky serial killer who derived sexual pleasure from killing jailed". independent.co.uk. The Independent. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  71. ^ Barton, Monika (August 30, 2019). "Child's Play posters pulled in NZ over fears they would 'traumatise' Christchurch kids". Newshub. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  72. ^ Webb, Charles (August 30, 2013). "Child's Play Killer Chucky The Unlikely Hero of Endless Runner Chucky: Slash & Dash". MTV. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  73. ^ Alyse Wax (August 15, 2013). "Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Introduces Chucky and Purge Scarezones". Archived from the original on August 18, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  74. ^ Tapp, Tom (2023-07-28). "Universal Halloween Horror Nights 2023: Hollywood & Orlando Parks Conjuring Up Chucky, The Exorcist And Universal Monsters-Themed Haunted Houses". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-08-25.