Just about a year ago, we reported that aChild’s PlayTV series was in the works. Better known asChuckythanks to the murderous child’s doll at the heart of the horror franchise, the small-screen version of the big-screen slasher series also hails from franchise creatorDon Manciniand long-time franchise producerDavid Kirschner, with collaboratorNick Antosca(Channel Zero) also involved as an executive producer; actor/voice of ChuckyBradDourifis set to return. That was good news then, but the better news is that now Syfy is on board to develop the series in earnest.
Variety reports, via press release, that the genre-friendly network has acquired the rights to the iconic property, but few other details are available at the moment. Previously, Mancini had teased a “very creepy” series that will go “dark, darker thaneverbefore.” And the last we heard, the plan was to develop eight one-hour episodes that would keep franchise continuity, so it’s not a reboot but a continuation. For fans of the franchise that have stuck around since it’s debut back in 1988, that should come as welcome news.
Here’s what Mancini had to say:
“I’ve long wanted to bring Chucky to television and Syfy is the perfect network for us. The show will be a fresh take on the franchise, allowing us to explore Chucky’s character with a depth that is uniquely afforded by the television series format, while staying true to the original vision that has terrorized audiences for over three decades now.”
Antosca, currently under an overall deal with the Universal Cable Productions studio, was the creator and showrunner of the excellent horror anthology seriesChannel Zero, which enjoyed a home on Syfy until the network canceled it. One wonders if Syfy and Antosca simply had to choose to either continue withChannel Zeroor to focus efforts on the newChild’s Playseries and something had to give.
Additionally, Syfy has ordered pilots forCipherand(Future) Cult Classic, which will go into production later this year.Allison Millerwill write and executive produceCipherunder her overall deal with UCP whileDavid Gordon Green,Danny McBride,Jody HillandBrandon Jamesexecutive produce through Rough House Pictures;Peter Hoardirects. And as for(Future) Cult Classic,Shay Hattenis set to write the project withTim Kirkbyexecutive producing and directing the pilot; Broadway Video will executive produce. Here’s a look at the new series' synopses:
Secret military technology is unexpectedly implanted in the brain of a 13-year-old video game junkie. The boy and his father then unwittingly find themselves at the center of the next great war over artificial intelligence.
(Future) Cult Classic:
Described as a dark comedy set 18 years in the future and centered on a group of teens whose community is rocked by a 1990s slasher-movie obsessed serial killer. Our heroes quickly realize they’re being targeted and decide to take matters into their own hands and track down the killer before time runs out.
