Chucky, the upcoming TV adaptation of the beloved Child’s Play horror franchise, has just cast two stars from the original film and its 1990 sequel, Child’s Play 2. Fans of the films have had a long wait for the TV series to get off the ground, but things are currently moving in the right direction, with some great casting choices and an autumn 2021 release date.
The franchise initially kicked off in 1988 and instantly billed itself as a genuinely terrifying experience. Child’s Play managed to become a hit at the box office, solidifying a devoted fanbase in the process. Even for those who have never seen a single entry in the long-running horror franchise, the Chucky character has become a recognizable part of the slasher genre and horror movies as a whole. Over the years, there have been six sequels to the original 1988 film, along with a reboot that arrived in 2019. For the first time, a TV series based on the concept will bring Chucky to a new generation of fans.
According to EW, Alex Vincent – who starred as Chucky’s original owner Andy Barclay, will be returning for the new USA and Syfy series. In addition to Vincent, another Child’s Play alum is set to return, with Christine Elise McCarthy now joining the cast. McCarthy starred as Kyle in Child’s Play 2 and also had an uncredited role as the character in 2017’s Cult of Chucky.
Vincent made both his big screen and Child’s Play debuts at the age of 7, ultimately sticking with the franchise for four entries – the last of which being Cult of Chucky. Today the 39-year-old’s inclusion in Chucky will undoubtedly add authenticity to the new series, something that long-time fans are sure to appreciate. As for McCarthy, though her experience with Child’s Play isn’t as substantial as that of Vincent’s, her Kyle character played a major role in helping Andy destroy Chucky in Child’s Play 2. Arguably more recognizable as Emily Valentine from the hit 1990s teen soap Beverly Hills 90210, McCarthy is no stranger to the film to TV adaptation, with previous roles on TV series such as A League of Their Own, In the Heat of the Night, and Get Shorty.
So far, it looks as though Chucky’s producers are doing what they can to make a return to this notorious slasher franchise a new yet still-familiar TV experience. Vincent and McCarthy's casting should be seen as further proof of Chucky staying true to its roots rather than trying to brush aside its past and create something entirely new. Hopefully, the series will offer fans a much-needed breath of fresh air in terms of direction, but at the same time, it will be great to see characters who still play an essential role in the fight against Chucky.
Source: EW