After voicing Chucky the serial killer doll in seven Child’s Play films, Brad Dourif was replaced in the role by Mark Hamill for 2019’s remake. When it comes to horror icons, Chucky is one of the most diminutive out there in stature, but in star power, he’s a much bigger force. Chucky first won horror fans’ hearts in 1988’s original Child’s Play movie, then returned to menace nemesis Andy Barclay in Child’s Play 2 and Child’s Play 3.
By 1998, the Child’s Play formula was due for a shake-up, and got it with the horror/comedy Bride of Chucky, which introduced the fan favorite character of Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly). In 2004, an even more comedic sequel, Seed of Chucky drew a mixed response, and in 2013, series creator Don Mancini took Chucky back to his dark roots in Curse of Chucky. A big hit on the direct to video market, Curse was followed in 2017 by Cult of Chucky, the serial killer turned toy’s seventh adventure.
While elements of Chucky’s characterization ebbed and flowed over time, one constant in the franchise, outside of scripts written by Mancini, was Brad Dourif providing Chucky’s iconic voice and laugh. While Dourif was nominated for an Oscar earlier in his career, he’s definitely best known now for playing Chucky, and doesn’t really seem to mind. However, Dourif drew the line at reprising his signature role for 2019’s Child’s Play remake.
Child’s Play: Why Brad Dourif Didn’t Voice Chucky in the Remake
To explain why Brad Dourif didn’t want to return for the remake, it’s first necessary to explain another matter. While Orion did indeed release a decently well-regarded Child’s Play remake in 2019, that doesn’t mean the original Child’s Play continuity is dead. Don Mancini and the main cast members from Cult of Chucky are slated to be part of a TV series starring Chucky in 2020, set to air on Syfy. Unlike many horror franchises, in which the creator departs after the original film, Mancini has steadily guided the Chucky movies creatively over nearly three decades, writing the scripts for all seven films, and directing Seed, Curse, and Cult of Chucky.
Brad Dourif is understandably loyal to Mancini, and the Child’s Play franchise both men helped make world famous. He’s even made it a family affair, with his daughter Fiona joining the series as Nica. Thus, he opted to continue voicing Chucky in Mancini’s TV series, and wasn’t interested in being a part of Orion’s remake, which Mancini publicly voiced his opposition toward. After all, it’s not exactly nice to reboot a franchise that’s still actively in production. Orion swung for the fences and cast pop culture icon Mark Hamill as their new Chucky, and while he did a fine job, it was hard for fans not to notice the absence of Dourif’s trademark high-pitched cackle. Thankfully, Dourif’s original Chucky will slash again on the small screen.
More: What Child’s Play Gets Right (That Other Horror Movies Don’t)
