Understanding The Difference Between Classic Chucky And The 2019 Remake
November of 1988 introduced audiences around the world to America's favorite Good Guy doll Chucky. Possessed by the soul of sociopathic killer Charles Lee Ray a.k.a. the Lakeshore Strangler, Chucky's success has spawned several feature film sequels, video games, action figures, and even a divisive series reimagining.
After a series of direct to DVD feature films in the past few years, Chucky is now returning to terrorize a new generation of fans on not the big screen but small with an upcoming SYFY television series set for release on October 12th, 2021.
Titled simply Chucky, the show will center on a new unlucky child Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur) coming across the horrific doll at a yard sale, while significant periods within Chucky's past history are explored. The highly anticipated television series marks the first time that series co-creator Don Mancini has been involved in his life's work since the release of 2017's Cult of Chucky.
The Red-Headed Step-Child of Chucky
Following in the footsteps of iconic horror franchises A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, a Child's Play remake was in the works from MGM (Metro Goldwyn Mayer) for over a decade before finally releasing within the United States market on June 21, 2019.
Scaring its way into theaters with a new starring cast and modernized story elements, the remake ditches Mancini's established continuity and follows many plot elements set from the first Child's Play. In its act of independence, the remake saw the exclusion of both creator Mancini and staple Chucky voice actor Brad Dourif, whose classic expressions and voice were replaced in favor of fan-favorite actor Mark Hamill (Star Wars).
With Hamill's Chucky as its headliner, the remake featured an entirely new cast consisting of relative newcomer Gabriel Bateman as the new Andy Barclay alongside Aubrey Plaza (Karen Barclay) and Brian Tyree Henry (Mike Norris); ushering the Chucky series back to the darker period of evil from which it originated.
Though initially receiving fan criticism for its dramatic changes to Chucky lore, Chuky's return to the big screen ultimately achieved a modest critical reception and garnered over $45 million worldwide.
Though director Lars Klevberg (Polaroid)'s Child's Play invoked a newfound aura of horror into the franchise, the only variables not involved were Mancini and the creatives who helped Chucky achieve international fame in the first place.
The change in leadership only helped to create an even greater wedge of tension between the two generations of Chucky. Klevberg's film was a modern reimagining of the original 1988 film starring 6-year old Andy Barclay receiving a "brand new" Good Guy doll from his loving mother.
In order to align with the contemporary time period, Chucky is no longer a plastic doll but a high-tech smart doll hailing from Southeast Asia to help drive home society's overreliance on AI technology. Don Mancini has been involved with every Child's Play film in a writing capacity since the original, which he helped pen alongside John Lafia and the movie's own director Tom Holland.
An Icon Under New Management
Beginning with 1990's Child's Play 2, the future Chucky sequels found themselves in the ownership of esteemed film company Universal Pictures, following the dissolution of MGM's parent company United Artists.
Due to Universal's ownership over the Chucky character, it is the prestige studio's television division Universal Content Pictures (a subsidiary of NBCUniversal) that will distribute Mancini's upcoming television series.
MGM however retains exclusive rights to the first Child's Play film and the characters associated with the introduction to the franchise. As a sequel to 2019's Child's Play remake currently remains in discussion, Mancini and have gone full steam ahead on exposing the original Chucky to a larger audience once again.
Back to Basics
Coming off directing duties for 2004's Seed of Chucky as well as later entries Curse / Cult of Chucky, Don Mancini will be in charge of wiring and directing each episode of the upcoming first season. This October, television networks SYFY and USA will serve as the premier home for the continuation of Chucky's murderous story.
While the remake or any future sequels are seemingly unauthorized from mentioning Chucky's partner in crime and wife Tiffany Valentine (Jennifer Tilly), conflicted son with daddy issues Glen (Billy Boyd) or any other subsequent supporting characters, any mainstay players Child's Play including the Barclays and police detective Mike Norris are fair game.
In an effort to reel the series back to basics, Mancini is bringing along a few longtime friends starting with the return of the classic Chucky fans know and love, who will once again be voiced by Brad Dourif.
Additionally returning for the latest entry in the Chucky franchise is the doll's original nemesis Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent), Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly), Andy's heroic foster sister Kyle (Christine Elise McCarthy), and even the more recent Curse of Chucky protagonist Nica Pierce (Fiona Dourif).
Where Does Chucky's Future Lie?
Chucky and his fellow horror icons seem to be the prime candidates that lend themselves to a basic cable television format, in which a new season or even episode can act as its own independent arc and follow the killer targeting another unfortunate set of victims.
If the series proves to be a success, the feature films can become the revenue for alternate "what if?" storylines with the Chucky brand and characters, which may allow the dedicated horror fans to have their cake and eat it too. Though the direction of Chucky seems to be on television for the foreseeable future, Mancini has tentative plans to return the Good Guy to his feature film roots as well.
If Mancini's future Chucky movies are intended to be direct to DVD or theatrical releases, remain to be seen. The Chucky originator has even tossed around the idea of a potential Chucky / Freddy Kruger crossover to New Line Cinema. One thing is for sure, Chucky may not be the pop culture sensation that he was in the late 80s / early 1990s, but the future seems to be bright for a homicidal killer doll.
SYFY and USA's Chucky will hit television screens just in time for Halloween on October 23rd, 2021.
Opinions and Perspectives
I actually prefer the original Chucky. Brad Dourif's voice acting brought something special to the character that Mark Hamill, despite being talented, just couldn't replicate.
The AI angle in the remake felt forced to me. Not everything needs a tech upgrade. Sometimes classic possession is scarier than rogue artificial intelligence.
I loved Aubrey Plaza as Karen Barclay though! She brought a different energy to the role that worked really well in the modern setting.
You make a good point about Plaza, but I still think Catherine Hicks in the original had more emotional depth. Her fear felt more genuine.
Anyone else excited about the TV series bringing back the original cast? I cant wait to see Alex Vincent as Andy again!
The difference in tone between the original and remake is fascinating. The original had this perfect balance of horror and dark humor that made it special.
Interesting that MGM only owns rights to the first film characters. That explains why the remake felt so disconnected from the larger universe.
Does anyone else think its weird how they completely abandoned the voodoo element in the remake? That was such a crucial part of the original story.
I disagree about the voodoo aspect. The AI storyline actually makes more sense for modern audiences who are already scared of technology taking over.
The practical effects in the original series were so much better. CGI Chucky just doesnt have the same impact.
Looking forward to seeing how they handle Chucky's origin story in the TV series. Mancini being involved gives me hope.
Wonder if they'll ever do a crossover between the two versions? That could be interesting.
A crossover would be terrible. The two versions are completely different in tone and motivation. It would never work.
The remake missed what made Chucky scary. It wasnt just that he was a killer doll, it was his personality.
I actually enjoyed both versions for different reasons. The original is classic horror, while the remake spoke to modern fears about technology.
Anyone remember how terrifying the original Good Guy commercial was? The remake didnt capture that creepy toy marketing vibe at all.
The fact that Mancini wasnt involved in the remake really shows. The soul of the original series just wasnt there.
Im glad theyre continuing the original timeline with the TV series instead of following the remake path.
The budget difference between the original and remake is quite noticeable. Sometimes less is more when it comes to horror.
Brad Dourif IS Chucky. No offense to Mark Hamill but some roles just cant be recast.
The remake trying to make Chucky sympathetic at times was a weird choice. He works better as a straight-up villain.
Its interesting how they changed Andy's age in the remake. Making him older definitely changed the dynamic.