What’s going on with the Child’s Play franchise now that the Chucky TV show is done? That’s a big question that still needs answering. The future of the killer doll inhabited by the spirit of serial killer Charles Lee Ray remains uncertain. Unfortunately for viewers of the show, Chucky was canceled after three seasons in September by Syfy and USA Network. So even though creator Don Mancini had plans for a potential fourth season, that won’t be going forward. However, Mancini has promised that the franchise will return. Moreover, he’s promising it’s not going to be a reboot.
“The CHUCKY franchise has always prioritized story continuity, across different media, for decades. You WILL see your favorites again,” Mancini said on Twitter. The filmmaker also posted several photos from the cast behind the scenes of the show. So, whatever shape the franchise takes next, he’s confirming that the continuity will stay intact. Expect to see more Tiffany. Expect Brad Dourif to keep voicing Chucky.
The CHUCKY franchise has always prioritized story continuity, across different media, for decades. You WILL see your favorites again. pic.twitter.com/71WLk6Qhcb
— Don Mancini (@RealDonMancini) October 26, 2024
As for what shape the future will take? The obvious route would be a new movie. For what it’s worth, Mancini previously confirmed he was developing a new movie. If that is indeed the way he’s going to go with it, that opens up a host of questions as to what shape it will take. Are we going to get a direct-to-video release like 2013’s Curse of Chucky or 2017’s Cult of Chucky? Or maybe the franchise will finally make its return to theaters? It’s all up in the air right now, save for knowing certain characters will return.
Rather remarkably, the Child’s Play franchise hasn’t been rebooted dating back to the original, which hit theaters in 1988. That’s 36 years of unbroken continuity. Yes, there was the 2019 remake, but that was more of an “in addition to” thing, rather than a reset of the series. That’s all thanks to Mancini, who has done an admirable job of steering this ship for going on four decades. It appears as though he’s dead set on keeping that ship afloat.
One thing we can say for sure is that Chucky has covered a lot of ground in his time on screen. So, where can he go from here? I have humbly suggested that it’s absolutely time for Child’s Play in Space. Mancini has expressed that he’s open to the idea, assuming enough people want to see such a thing happen. Whatever the case, he’s the shepherd of this universe and it’s in his hands now. We just have to wait and see what he’s cooking up.
Chucky is currently streaming on Shudder. For more, check out the trailer for Doc of Chucky, billed as the ultimate account of the Child’s Play franchise.
