:Child's Play (franchise)#Possible remake
{{short description|Universal media franchise}}
{{Infobox media franchise
| title = Child's Play
| image = File:Child's Play (1988) logo (original).svg
File:Chucky logo.svg
| caption = Child's Play logo as used in the original film (top) and the Chucky logo (bottom)
| creator = Don Mancini
| owner = Universal Pictures {{efn|Except the first, fifth and reboot films}}
| origin = Child's Play (1988)
| years = 1988–2024
| comics = List of comics
| films = List of films
| shorts = {{Plainlist|
- Chucky's Vacation Slides (2005)
- Chucky Invades (2013)
}}
| tv = Chucky (2021–2024)
| video_games = Chucky: Slash & Dash (2013)
| attractions = 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 primarily 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/10/08/curse-of-chucky-25-years/2861753/|title=After 25 years, Chucky is both a blessing and a 'Curse'|author=Bryan Alexander|work=USA Today|date=October 8, 2013|access-date=October 1, 2017}}
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 television series, which began airing on October 12, 2021, on Syfy and USA Network.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/01/05/cult-chucky-sequel-childs-play|author=Clark Collins|title=Cult of Chucky: Horror sequel plot details, teaser video revealed|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 5, 2017|access-date=October 1, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106012537/http://ew.com/movies/2017/01/05/cult-chucky-sequel-childs-play/|archivedate=January 6, 2017}}
Films
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" width=100%
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | U.S. release date ! scope="col" | Director(s) ! scope="col" | Screenwriter(s) ! scope="col" | Producer(s) ! Scope="col" | Distributed by |
| colspan="6" |Original series |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Child's Play
| {{Start date|1988|11|09}} | Don Mancini | rowspan="2"| David Kirschner |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Child's Play 2
| {{Start date|1990|11|09}} | John Lafia | rowspan="6" | Don Mancini | rowspan="3" | Universal Pictures |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Child's Play 3
| {{Start date|1991|08|30}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Bride of Chucky
| {{Start date|1998|10|16}} | Ronny Yu | David Kirschner |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Seed of Chucky
| {{Start date|2004|11|11}} | rowspan="3" | Don Mancini | David Kirschner |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Curse of Chucky
| {{Start date|2013|09|24}}{{efn|The film originally debuted on VOD before later being released on DVD and Blu-ray.}} | David Kirschner | rowspan="2" | Universal Pictures |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Cult of Chucky
| {{Start date|2017|10|03}} | David Kirschner |
| colspan="6" |Reboot |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left"| Child's Play
| {{Start date|2019|6|21}} | Lars Klevberg | Tyler Burton Smith | David Katzenberg |
=''Child's Play'' (1988)=
{{Main|Child's Play (1988 film)}}
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)=
{{Main|Child's Play 2}}
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)=
{{Main|Child's Play 3}}
Directed by Jack Bender from a story by Don Mancini and released on August 30, 1991, Child's Play 3{{cite news|title= Boys guilty of Bulger murder |work= The Times|date=1993-11-25|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/archive/tol_archive/article6820479.ece|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100526183155/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/archive/tol_archive/article6820479.ece|url-status = dead|archive-date = May 26, 2010|access-date=2011-04-21|location=London|first1=Ronald|last1=Faux|first2=Bill|last2=Frost}} 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)=
{{Main|Bride of Chucky}}
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)=
{{Main|Seed of Chucky}}
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)=
{{Main|Curse of Chucky}}
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)=
{{Main|Cult of Chucky}}
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)=
{{Main|Child's Play (2019 film)}}
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 one.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/childs-play-review-oh-so-chucky-is-ai-now.html|title=Child's Play Has Lost Its Impish Spark and Gained Artificial Intelligence|last=Bastién|first=Angelica Jade|work=Vulture.com|date=June 21, 2019|accessdate=November 28, 2022}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://dailydead.com/interview-don-mancini-talks-cult-of-chucky-and-the-enduring-controversy-of-seed-of-chucky/|title=Interview: Don Mancini Talks CULT OF CHUCKY and the Enduring Controversy of SEED OF CHUCKY – Daily Dead|date=October 5, 2017|website=Dailydead.com|access-date=October 28, 2017}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/921339-childs-play-tv-series-coming-from-don-mancini-david-kirschner/amp|title=Child's Play TV series coming – Coming Soon|date=February 9, 2018|website=Coming soon.net|access-date=February 9, 2018}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/chucky-tv-show-trailer-first-look-photo/|title = 'Chucky' first look: Get a killer tease of horror icon's TV show|magazine = Entertainment Weekly}}
In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, Mancini discussed the potential of a Child's Play film set on a train,Referred to as Chucky on the Orient Express. 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.{{cite news|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3319172/childs-play-train-freddy-vs-chucky-don-mancini-dreams/|author=Brad Miska|title='Child's Play' On a Train? Freddy Vs. Chucky? Don Mancini Dreams…|website=Bloody Disgusting|date=October 28, 2014|access-date=October 1, 2017}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1693069/child-plays-writer-has-the-best-idea-for-a-chucky-crossover-with-freddy-krueger|title=Child Play's Writer Has The Best Idea For A Chucky Crossover With Freddy Krueger|date=17 August 2017}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/film/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-chucky|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Chucky|first=Mark|last=Langshaw|date=26 October 2017|website=WhatCulture.com}}
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.{{Cite web |title=New Chucky Movie Confirmed |url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/new-chucky-movie-confirmed-don-mancini-chucky-8/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Horror |date=27 March 2024 |language=en}}
In September 2024, Mancini stated that the Chucky franchise would continue following the cancellation of the television series.
Television
{{Series overview
| multiseries = {{Series overview
| infoA = y
| series = Chucky
| color1 = #AE1818
| link1 = Chucky (season 1)
| episodes1 = 8
| start1 = {{Start date|2021|10|12}}
| end1 = {{End date|2021|11|30}}
| color2 = #DAAB64
| link2 = Chucky (season 2)
| episodes2 = 8
| start2 = {{Start date|2022|10|5}}
| end2 = {{End date|2022|11|23}}
| color3 = #59072D
| link3 = Chucky (season 3)
| episodes3 = 8
| episodes3A = 4
| start3A = {{Start date|2023|10|4}}
| end3A = {{End date|2023|10|25}}
| episodes3B = 4
| start3B = {{Start date|2024|4|10}}
| end3B = {{End date|2024|5|1}}
}}
}}
=''Chucky'' (2021–2024)=
{{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. Brad Dourif returned to voice Charles Lee "Chucky" Ray.{{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}} Executive producers of the series include David Kirschner and Nick Antosca.{{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}}{{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}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RealDonMancini/status/1121942431996366848|title=TV series! 2020!|first=Don|last=Mancini|date=26 April 2019}} Mancini directed and wrote the first episode.{{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|first=Tom|last=Reimann|date=July 17, 2020|access-date=July 17, 2020}}
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.{{cite web|title=Chucky TV Series Brings Back Original Child's Play Star Alex Vincent|url=https://comicbook.com/horror/news/chucky-tv-series-original-childs-play-star-alex-vincent/|website=Comicbook.com|date=April 6, 2021|first=Spencer|last=Perry}}{{cite web|title=Chucky is slashing his way to SYFY & USA with a new series on Oct. 12|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chucky-tv-series-premiere-date-announcement|website=Syfy Wire|date=July 16, 2021|first=Caitlin|last=Busch}} Other cast members include Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Björgvin Arnarson, Devon Sawa,{{cite web|title='Chucky': Jennifer Tilly, Devon Sawa, Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind & Björgvin Arnarson Set For USA/Syfy Series Reboot|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/chucky-jennifer-tilly-devon-sawa-zackary-arthur-teo-briones-alyvia-alyn-lind-bjo%cc%88rgvin-arnarson-syfy-1234707969/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 5, 2021|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva}} Lexa Doig and Barbara Alyn Woods.{{cite web|title=Chucky: Lexa Doig cast in SYFY and USA TV series|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/lexa-doig-cast-in-chucky-tv-series-syfy-usa|website=Syfy Wire|date=April 2, 2021|first=Josh|last=Weiss}}{{cite web|title=Child's Play TV Series Chucky Casts Arrow Star|url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/childs-play-tv-series-chucky-casts-arrow-star/|website=Comicbook.com|date=April 2, 2021|first=Russ|last=Burlingame}}
In September 2024, the series was canceled after three seasons.{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/chucky-canceled-syfy-usa-no-season-4-don-mancini-reaction-1236102192/ | title='Chucky' Canceled by Syfy & USA After 3 Seasons, Leaving Creator Don Mancini "Heartbroken" but "Grateful" Amid NBCU Cable Scripted Shift | date=27 September 2024 }}
Short films
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:100%;" |
| scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | U.S. release date ! scope="col" | Director(s) ! scope="col" | Screenwriter(s) ! scope="col" | Producer(s) |
|---|
| scope="row" | Chucky's Vacation Slides
| 2005 | colspan="2"| Don Mancini |
| scope="row" | Chucky Invades
| 2013 | colspan="2"| 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.
- The first clip, Chucky invades Psycho, has Chucky using a stepladder to kill Marion Crane in the shower; he is then discovered by Norman Bates. Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins appear in archival footage.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JpRE9k5jFY| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/5JpRE9k5jFY|archive-date=2021-11-07|url-status=live|title=Chucky Invades Psycho – Horror Movie MashUp (2013) Film HD|last=Movieclips Trailers|date=1 October 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
- The second clip, Chucky invades The Purge, has Chucky invading the Sandin family's home. Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Adelaide Kane and Max Burkholder appear in archival footage. The film is designed in the form of a trailer for a film.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGHFgLMF7iw| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/hGHFgLMF7iw|archive-date=2021-11-07| url-status=live|title=Chucky Invades The Purge – Horror Movie MashUp (2013) Film HD|last=Movieclips Trailers|date=4 October 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
- The third clip, Chucky invades Mama, follows Chucky as he hides under the bed of Victoria Desange before attacking her. Jessica Chastain and Isabelle Nélisse appear in archival footage.
- The fourth clip, Chucky invades Drag Me to Hell, follows Chucky attacking Christine Brown in her car. Alison Lohman appears in archival footage.
Cast and crew
=Principal cast=
{{See also|List of Child's Play characters}}
{{:List of Child's Play characters}}
=Crew=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" width=100% |
| rowspan="3" | Role
! colspan="7" | Original series ! Reboot ! Television series |
|---|
| style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Child's Play
! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Child's Play 2 ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Child's Play 3 ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Bride of Chucky ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Seed of Chucky ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Curse of Chucky ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Cult of Chucky ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Child's Play ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;" | Chucky |
| style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|1988}}
! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|1990}} ! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|1991}} ! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|1998}} ! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|2004}} ! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|2013}} ! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|2017}} ! Style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|2019}} ! style="background-color:ivory;" | {{small|2021–2024}} |
| Director
| Ronny Yu | colspan="3" rowspan="2" | Don Mancini | Lars Klevberg | rowspan="2" | Don Mancini |
| Writer(s)
| Don Mancini John Lafia Tom Holland | colspan="3" | Don Mancini | Tyler Burton Smith |
| rowspan="2" | Producer(s)
| rowspan="2" colspan="2" | David Kirschner | rowspan="2" | Robert Latham Brown | colspan="2" | David Kirschner | rowspan="2" | David Kirschner | rowspan="2" | David Kirschner Ogden Gavanski | rowspan="2" | Seth Grahame-Smith David Katzenberg | Executive producer David Kirschner |
| Grace Gilroy
| Corey Sienega |
| Composer(s)
John D'Andrea | Graeme Revell | colspan="2" | Joseph LoDuca | Josesph LoDuca |
| Cinematography
| Vernon Layton | colspan="2" | 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 | Randy Bricker | Tom Elkins | Mike Harrelson |
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.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=childsplay.htm|title=Child's Play box office rankings|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-01-17}}
Halloween is the highest-grossing horror series in the United States at approximately $1.09 billion.{{cite web|url=https://www.halfhill.com/inflation_js.html|title=Tom's Inflation Calculator|publisher=Halfhill.com|access-date=September 21, 2011}}{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=halloween.htm|title=Halloween box office rankings|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-05-22}} Next in line is Friday the 13th at $908.4 million,{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=fridaythe13th.htm|title=Friday the 13th box office ranking|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-05-22}} followed by the Nightmare on Elm Street series with $793.5 million.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=nightmareonelmstreet.htm|title=A Nightmare on Elm Street box office rankings|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-05-22}} The Scream film series is in fourth place with $779.5 million,{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=scream.htm|title=Scream box office rankings|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-01-17}} followed by the Saw series with $688.3 million,{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=saw.htm|title=Saw box office rankings|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-09-05}} and 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with $459.7 million.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=texaschainsawmassacre.htm|title=The Texas Chainsaw Massacre box office rankings|publisher=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2008-01-17}}
{{Hatnote|Each film is linked to the "Box office" section of its article}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| rowspan="2"| Film
! rowspan="2"| Release date ! colspan="4"| Box office revenue ! rowspan="2"| Budget ! rowspan="2"| Reference |
|---|
| style="text-align:center;"
! North America ! Other territories ! Worldwide ! Worldwide adjusted |
| scope="row" | Child's Play
| November 9, 1988 | $33,244,684 | $10,952,000 | $44,196,684 | $83,933,325 | style="text-align:center;"| $9,000,000 | style="text-align:center;" |{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1431012865/weekend/|title=Child's Play (1988)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 1, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Childs-Play|title=Child's Play (1988)|publisher=The-Numbers|access-date=October 1, 2017}} |
| scope="row" | Child's Play 2
| November 9, 1990 | $28,501,605 | $7,262,000 | $35,763,605 | $64,740,8729 | style="text-align:center;"| $13,000,000 | style="text-align:center;" |{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl860521985/weekend/|title=Child's Play 2 (1990)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 1, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Childs-Play-2|publisher=The Numbers|title=Movie Child's Play 2 – Box Office Data|access-date=October 1, 2017}} |
| scope="row" | Child's Play 3
| August 30, 1991 | $14,960,255 | $5,600,000 | $20,560,255 | $35,716,113 | style="text-align:center;"| $13,000,000 | style="text-align:center;" |{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1397458433/weekend/|title=Child's Play 3 (1991)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 1, 2017}} |
| scope="row" | Bride of Chucky
| October 16, 1998 | $32,404,188 | $18,288,000 | $50,692,188 | $73,581,099 | style="text-align:center;"| $25,000,000 | style="text-align:center;" |{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl407471617/weekend/|title=Bride of Chucky (1998)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 1, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Bride-of-Chucky|publisher=The Numbers|title=Bride of Chucky – Box Office Data|access-date=October 1, 2017}} |
| scope="row" | Seed of Chucky
| November 12, 2004 | $17,083,732 | $7,745,912 | $24,829,644 | $31,099,354 | style="text-align:center;"| $12,000,000 | style="text-align:center;" |{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl40797697/|title=Seed of Chucky (2004)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=October 1, 2017}} |
| scope="row" | Child's Play
| June 21, 2019 | $29,208,403 | $15,693,834 | $44,902,237 | $44,902,237 | style="text-align:center;"| $10,000,000 | style="text-align:center;"|[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl352749057/ Child's Play (2019)] Box Office data |
| colspan="2"| Total
! $126,194,464 ! $49,847,912 ! $205,250,779 ! $333,973,000 ! colspan="1"| $64,000,000(E) ! |
colspan="9" |List indicator(s)
|
=Critical and public response=
{{Hatnote|Each film is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article}}
{{Hatnote|Each series and season is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article}}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Critical response of Child's Play series !Series !Season |
| rowspan="3" |Chucky
| colspan="1" |1 |89% (7/10 average rating) (37 reviews){{Cite web |title=Chucky: Season 1 {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/chucky/s01 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} |
|---|
| 2
|92% (7/10 average rating) (12 reviews){{Cite web |title=Chucky: Season 2 {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/chucky/s02 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} | {{N/A}} |
| 3
|100% (8.1/10 average rating) (14 reviews){{Cite web |title=Chucky: Season 3 {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/chucky/s03 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} | {{N/A}} |
=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.{{Cite book|title=Sadistic Killers: Profiles of pathological predators|first=Carol Anne|last=Davis|year=2007|publisher=Summersdale Publishing|location=Chichester|isbn=978-1-84024-581-3|author-link=Carol Anne Davis|pages=298–304}}
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.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2605543.stm|work=BBC News|title=Film censor Ferman dies|date=December 25, 2002|access-date=October 1, 2017}}
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.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/south_yorkshire/8235661.stm|work=BBC News|title=Boys' mother 'fed them cannabis'|date=September 3, 2009|access-date=October 1, 2017}}
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.{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-serial-killer-elena-lobacheva-bride-chucky-sexual-pleasure-killing-jailed-a8022326.html|title = Bride of Chucky serial killer who derived sexual pleasure from killing jailed|last = McIntyre|first = Niamh|publisher = The Independent|date = 26 October 2017|website = independent.co.uk|access-date = 28 October 2017}}
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.{{cite news | last=Barton | first=Monika | title=Child's Play posters pulled in NZ over fears they would 'traumatise' Christchurch kids | website=Newshub | date=August 30, 2019 | url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2019/08/child-s-play-posters-pulled-in-nz-over-fears-they-would-traumatise-christchurch-kids.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227072514/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2019/08/child-s-play-posters-pulled-in-nz-over-fears-they-would-traumatise-christchurch-kids.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 27, 2020 | access-date=September 19, 2019}}
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=
In May of 2011, a video game titled Chucky: Wanna Play? was announced to be in development.{{cite web | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/tikgames-announces-chucky-game | title=TikGames Announces Chucky Game | work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun | date=20 May 2011 | last1=Co-Founder | first1=Jim Rossignol | last2=Rossignol | first2=Jim }} It was set to be a hack-and-slash video game and was being developed by TikGames. It was planned to be released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows. A Kickstarter campaign was posted by the company in an effort to secure $925,000 for the development of the PC version of the game, with the intention of releasing the console versions shortly thereafter.{{cite web | url=https://www.kicktraq.com/projects/1577758020/chucky-wanna-play/ | title=Chucky: Wanna Play? }} However on November 12, 2012, it was announced that the project was cancelled after the Kickstarter failed to meet its' goal.{{cite web | url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3202865/childs-play-video-game-officially-canceled/ | title='Child's Play' Video Game Officially Canceled | date=12 November 2012 }}
Chucky and Tiffany are featured in the asymmetrical horror video game Dead By Daylight as playable characters starting on November 28, 2023.
Zen Studios released Chucky's Killer Pinball, a pinball table for Pinball M on November 30, 2023.
Chucky is also a playable character in the 2024 video game Funko Fusion.{{cite web | url=https://gamerant.com/funko-fusion-all-characters-how-to-unlock-them/ | title=Funko Fusion: All Characters (& How to Unlock Them) | date=27 September 2024 }}
==Mobile game==
{{main|Chucky: Slash & Dash}}
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.{{cite web|last=Webb|first=Charles|title=Child's Play Killer Chucky The Unlikely Hero of Endless Runner Chucky: Slash & Dash|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2468019/childs-play-killer-chucky-the-unlikely-hero-of-endless-runner-chucky-slash-dash/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210034117/http://www.mtv.com/news/2468019/childs-play-killer-chucky-the-unlikely-hero-of-endless-runner-chucky-slash-dash/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2015|work=MTV|date=August 30, 2013|access-date=October 1, 2017}}
=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.{{cite news|url=http://www.fearnet.com/news/news-article/universal-studios-halloween-horror-nights-introduces-chucky-and-purge-scarezones|author=Alyse Wax|title=Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Introduces Chucky and Purge Scarezones|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=August 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818004948/http://www.fearnet.com/news/news-article/universal-studios-halloween-horror-nights-introduces-chucky-and-purge-scarezones|archive-date=August 18, 2013|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Tapp |first=Tom |date=2023-07-28 |title=Universal Halloween Horror Nights 2023: Hollywood & Orlando Parks Conjuring Up Chucky, The Exorcist And Universal Monsters-Themed Haunted Houses |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/universal-parks-halloween-horror-nights-2023-orlando-hollywood-1235450289/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
See also
Notes
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Child's Play}}
{{Universal Studios franchises}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Child's Play (franchise)}}
Category:Universal Pictures franchises
Category:American supernatural horror films
Category:Horror film franchises