The latest classic horror franchise coming back to the silver screen in a big way is Child’s Play. Just over 20 years since the first movie introduced us to murderous doll Chucky, the stuffed serial killer returns this summer to wreak havoc once again. And this first trailer for the film gives us our best look yet at the up-to-date interpretation of the horror icon.
In contrast to the classic version of the character, Chucky won’t be possessed by the spirit of a killer in the new movie but is instead a “smart doll” with artificial intelligence gone haywire. Apart from that, though, the premise is much the same. Karen Barclay – played by Legion‘s Aubrey Plaza – gifts her son Andy (Gabriel Bateman) a Buddi Doll for his birthday, with the toy turning out to have murderous intentions. Brian Tyree Henry also stars as Mike Norris, the detective who gets involved in this highly unusual case.
As you surely know, this remake has been produced without the involvement of creator Don Mancini, who’s since vocally criticized MGM’s decision to move forward without him. For those loyal to Mancini’s vision, at least he’s going to helm a TV series coming to Syfy that’ll follow on from the continuity of the original series, but it’s still a bit of a blow to see the property being rebooted here without him on board. And though this trailer does hold a lot back, it’s already looking like this is set to be a pretty controversial project.
If nothing else, though, at least the demented tone of Mancini’s original work appears to be in tact here. Just because he’s not possessed in this version of the story, Chucky will still be one mean little guy. In fact, the final moments of the minute-long teaser hint that Andy will have to save his mom from the toy’s clutches, as she’s set up in an elaborate, almost Saw-like trap.
You can catch Child’s Play, directed by Lars Klevberg and based on a script from Seth Grahame-Smith (The LEGO Batman Movie) and David Katzenberg, in cinemas from June 21st.