Back in 1985, whenDon Mancinibegan to pen the script for what would become 1988’sChild’s Play, it’s unlikely that he could’ve imagined just how big the franchise would become. After seven films, Syfy and USA Network greenlit a series based on the possessed killer doll known as Chucky two years ago. Now in itsthird season,Chuckyremains to be a ratings hit, raking in views from new and old fans alike. During an interview with Collider’sBritta DeVore, Mancini shared his thoughts on why, no matter what, Chucky always comes back.
“I think more than anything, it’s the personality and character of Chucky himself and the performance ofBrad Dourif,” Mancini says, “I think that’s the linchpin there. You know, Chucky is a somewhat unique character in that he’s simultaneouslydespicable, yet lovable and kind of charming in his way. I think that’s the crux of the appeal.”
Since the first film, Dourif has voiced theGood Guy Doll, who, during the opening moments ofChild’s Play, audiences see become possessed by wanted serial killer, Charles Lee Ray (Dourif). Like several other members of the cast and crew, Dourif has reprised his role in thefranchisetime and time again, always coming back to voice Chucky. “Brad’s performance is just always so great,” Mancini continues, “He always brings it and he is a very dedicated actor, a great actor, Oscar-nominee. It’s such an honor and a thrill to work with him, and I think we’ve gotten to the point where we just really like to challenge each other. So yeah, I think that’s what keeps people coming back.”
Although his name is synonymous with theChild’s Playfranchise, Dourif’s acting credits go far beyond the crass and crude-talking red-headed slasher. His debut performance as Billy Bibbit inOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestwould nab the actor an Academy Award nomination, and he would go on to star in a handful of other notable titles includingDune,Alien Resurrection,Rob Zombie’sHalloweenproductions, andThe Lord of the Ringsfilms. Adding a special flair to his work on Mancini’s killer doll franchise, the series and last two movies,Curse of ChuckyandCult of Chucky, have also starred his daughter,Fiona Dourif, making it a full circle family environment.
Season 3 ofChuckywill be broken down into two parts with the first half airing on Syfy, USA Network, and Peacock on Wednesdays through October 25, with the second half to arrive in 2024. Check out the Season 3 trailer below.
