It’s been nearly a decade since Chucky, aka Charles Lee Ray, last terrorized audiences in a feature film, with CULT OF CHUCKY in 2017. Since then, the killer Good Guy doll has found a new home on television, where creator Don Mancini continued expanding the franchise across three seasons of CHUCKY. Now, it looks like the little bastard is getting ready to return to the big screen, and the man who created him is staying right where he belongs: in charge.
As first reported exclusively by Deadline, Mancini has signed with Independent Artist Group for representation. According to the report, his focus will include developing the next iteration of the CHUCKY franchise while also building a slate of original film and television projects.
For fans waiting to see what comes next for everyone’s favorite murderous doll, this is particularly encouraging news. The new movie was already in development before the latest announcement. Bloody Disgusting previously reported that Mancini was writing the next CHUCKY feature and would also direct the film himself. The project is intended to continue the established continuity of the original movies and the three-season television series.
Mancini reportedly wants to bring Chucky back to his scarier roots, taking inspiration from the atmosphere of the first two CHILD’S PLAY films and 2013’s CURSE OF CHUCKY. The plan is also to bring the next installment to theaters, which would be a significant milestone for the franchise.
Although CULT OF CHUCKY was released in 2017, the character hasn’t appeared in a theatrical feature since SEED OF CHUCKY in 2004. CURSE OF CHUCKY and CULT OF CHUCKY both arrived through home video before the television series gave the franchise another life on USA Network and Syfy. A theatrical return would mark the first time in more than two decades that Mancini’s killer doll has made his way back to cinemas.
There is also plenty happening outside the CHUCKY universe. During an appearance at Steel City Con earlier this year, Mancini revealed that he is writing an original haunted house horror film. He also teased the development of a new television series with longtime CHUCKY collaborator Jennifer Tilly. Details on either project remain under wraps, but the filmmaker appears ready to explore new territory while continuing to oversee the character he introduced to audiences in 1988.
With Mancini continuing to write and direct, the next CHUCKY movie looks set to remain in the hands of the filmmaker who knows the character better than anyone. There is no official title, cast announcement or release date yet, but after years away from theaters, Chucky may finally be ready to come home.
PURCHASE: Chucky: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]