**Original Child’s Play Director Tom Holland and Mark Hamill Discuss Chucky Franchise**
The Chucky franchise has been a staple in the horror genre since its inception in 1988 with the release of the original “Child’s Play,” directed by Tom Holland. Over the years, the franchise has evolved, introducing new elements and characters, including a 2019 reboot that featured Mark Hamill as the voice of Chucky. Recently, both Holland and Hamill shared their thoughts on the franchise and their unique connection to it.
During a recent episode of Manifest Media’s Table Read podcast, which featured a reading of the 1985 horror classic “Fright Night,” Holland and Hamill had the opportunity to discuss their involvement in the Chucky franchise. Holland, who directed the original “Child’s Play,” and Hamill, who voiced Chucky in the 2019 reboot, had never previously discussed their shared connection to the iconic killer doll.
“When they came to me, I said, ‘No, you get Brad Dourif. He is Chucky,'” Hamill recalled. “And they said, ‘Well, this is a reboot that alters the storyline. It’s a very different Chucky.’ I said, ‘Okay, I’ll read it.'” Hamill explained that the new version of Chucky was an artificial intelligence doll, rather than a doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer. This new Chucky starts as an innocent, learning from his surroundings, but eventually becomes a monster.
Holland chimed in, noting that the remake had its own set of challenges. “They messed with the remake,” he said. “They made it for Christmas. They set it in Christmas, and then they took Christmas out, but they couldn’t take the Christmas lights out in the third act.”
The conversation also touched on the difficulties Holland faced while making the original “Child’s Play.” He described it as a much more challenging film to make compared to “Fright Night.” “Child’s Play was difficult because nobody had done the killer doll movie, and it asked a puppet to do what I needed that puppet to do,” Holland explained. “There were a lot of shots. I’d say half to three-quarters of the shots were a terrible fight just to get them.”
Despite the challenges, Holland managed to create a film that has stood the test of time. “Every kid has woken up and looked around his room and at his action toys and his dolls and things and said, ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful if one of them came alive?’ Well, one does. And his name is Chucky. And you’re in deep sh*t trouble,” he said.
Hamill, on the other hand, shared his experience of preparing for the role of Chucky in the 2019 reboot. “Once I agreed to do it, I ordered all of them off of Amazon,” he said, referring to the original “Child’s Play” films. “And of course, the first one is great. By the time they get to ‘Bride of Chucky’ and stuff, it’s pretty silly.”
The 2019 reboot of “Child’s Play” took a different approach, focusing on the relationship between humans and technology. The film explored the idea of an artificial intelligence doll that goes rogue, a concept that resonated with modern audiences. Hamill’s portrayal of Chucky was both menacing and sympathetic, as the doll’s actions were driven by a misguided understanding of human behavior.
Despite the differences between the original and the reboot, both Holland and Hamill acknowledged the impact of the Chucky franchise on the horror genre. The original “Child’s Play” introduced audiences to a new kind of horror, one that combined supernatural elements with the everyday fear of toys coming to life. The reboot, on the other hand, tapped into contemporary anxieties about technology and artificial intelligence.
The Chucky franchise has also seen its fair share of sequels and spin-offs, each adding new layers to the story. From the campy “Bride of Chucky” to the more recent “Curse of Chucky” and “Cult of Chucky,” the franchise has continually reinvented itself to stay relevant. The upcoming “Chucky” TV series, which will feature the return of Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky, promises to further expand the franchise’s universe.
As the Chucky franchise continues to evolve, it remains a beloved part of horror history. The original “Child’s Play” set the stage for a series of films that have entertained and terrified audiences for decades. With new adaptations and reboots, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
In conclusion, the Chucky franchise has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, thanks in large part to the contributions of Tom Holland and Mark Hamill. Their unique perspectives on the franchise highlight the enduring appeal of the killer doll and the creative challenges involved in bringing him to life. As fans eagerly await the next installment in the Chucky saga, it’s clear that the legacy of “Child’s Play” will continue to haunt and thrill audiences for years to come.
Source: Manifest Media’s Table Read podcast, ComicBook
