Production is moving forward on the controversial CHILD'S PLAY remake, which has fans and CHILD'S PLAY franchise writer Don Mancini concerned that it could "muddy the brand" when Mancini intends to continue the original series with a TV series and further sequels. But while Mancini's CHILD'S PLAY / CHUCKY projects are set up at Universal, the original CHILD'S PLAY came to us from MGM, and that company still holds the remake rights, so they're free to make another version of the first movie whenever they want. And they're making it now.
Currently filming in Vancouver, the remake was written by Tyler Burton Smith and stars Aubrey Plaza, Brian Tyree Henry, and Gabriel Bateman in the story of
a mother who gives her son a toy doll for his birthday, unaware of its more sinister nature.
Although the original Chucky still lives on in Mancini's projects, the killer doll in the remake will be keeping the name Chucky – and the first glimpse we got of the doll last Friday confirmed that they're even sticking relatively close to the design of the original doll. Much closer than I expected them to.
Despite Mancini's concerns, director Lars Klevberg and producer Seth Grahame-Smith insist this is a labor of love, as they are fans of the original CHILD'S PLAY and have been ever since they were young kids just getting into watching horror.
Mancini was offered an executive producer credit on the remake, but turned it down. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Klevberg said,
Everyone is a huge fan of Don Mancini. [If] he was making this movie with us it would be really amazing, but we understand he has his reasons. We are extremely grateful to him and will always be. He’s someone I look up to."
Klevberg didn't want to reveal too much about the remake's Chucky, but did say that they'll be using both practical and visual effects to bring him to life in the film.
Our Chucky will be our Chucky and he will be presented when the movie comes out."
Loyal to Mancini, Brad Dourif will not be providing the voice of Chucky in the remake, and his replacement has not yet been cast.
There are a lot of worries and doubts about this project, but Klevberg assures fans,
It’s going to be scary, and it’s going to be surprisingly emotional, and we also want it to be fun. So, it’s a really good mix."
We'll keep you updated on the new CHILD'S PLAY as more information is made available.
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