For better or for worse, MGM’s Orion Pictures has fast-tracked a remake of Tom Holland’s 1988 horror classic, Child’s Play. While details are scarce, let’s talk about everything we know about the movie so far…
It will have no relation to the current franchise
Just to be completely clear, this is not a new sequel in the ongoing Child’s Play film series, which has since evolved into the Chucky franchise. The story is being completely rebooted from the start, with new versions of all the prominent characters from the original film. Chucky as we know him doesn’t exist in this remake, as we’ll be meeting a completely new killer doll instead.
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The doll is a Buddi, not a Good Guy
Partially inspired by My Buddy dolls which were popular in the ’80s, the dolls in the original film are called Good Guys. Although the remake’s dolls will come in similar packaging, their name has been changed, and they are now called Buddi dolls. This could be a reference to the My Buddy dolls which influenced Chucky’s look. Reportedly, the Buddi doll will be named Chucky in the film, but this has yet to be officially confirmed by MGM.
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The Buddi is a murderous robot, not a serial killer
The original Chucky came to be when serial killer Charles Lee Ray used black magic to transfer his soul into the body of a Good Guy doll. In the remake, the doll becomes murderous for other reasons. The Buddi dolls are technologically advanced, and come with their own artificial intelligence. It’s malicious coding that makes the doll go haywire, and the rumor is this was done intentionally by a Chinese factory worker. There are no serial killers or black magic involved this time.
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Voice actor Brad Dourif is not involved
Because this is a complete remake, it’s already implied Chucky actor Brad Dourif won’t be doing the voice of the new killer doll. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, considering James Earl Jones is reprising the role of Mufasa in next year’s Lion King remake. However, that’s definitely not going to be the case here, as it’s been confirmed that Dourif isn’t involved with the film in any way, and neither are any other original cast members. It’s not clear who is doing the voice of the Buddi doll, but because of its robotic nature, it might simply be a computer voice generator.
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Aubrey Plaza, Gabriel Bateman, and Brian Tyree Henry lead the cast
Originally played by Catherine Hicks, the role of Andy’s mom, Karen Barclay, will be portrayed by Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza. Andy himself will be played by Gabriel Bateman (Lights Out), taking over the role originally performed by Alex Vincent. The fantastic Chris Sarandon’s Detective Mike Norris will next be played by Atlanta actor Brian Tyree Henry. While the lack of Brad Dourif is a bit disappointing, the casting for the remake seems to be on point.
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Andy will have three friends helping him
Taking a page from Stranger Things and It, little Andy is going to have three best friends helping him in his battle against the Buddi. His pals will consist of the detective’s son Omar Norris (Marlon Kazadi), Pugg (Ty Consiglio), and Falyn (Beatrice Kitsos). With so many children as potential victims, the stakes are a bit higher this time.
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The official website offers fake “preorders” for Buddi dolls
To promote the upcoming film, MGM has launched an official website designed to look like a Buddi doll order form. There are images of the doll with some information teasing its technological abilities, such as the option to link it with computers and tablets. To “preorder” the doll, you simply enter your email address, and you’ll then be shown a poster for the film and given an “expected delivery” date. Of course, these aren’t for actual Buddi dolls, and entering your email will only keep you updated on the movie’s progress leading up to its release. Check it out for yourself at BestBuddi.com!
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The movie is set to premiere on June 21, 2019
As of now, there have been no official trailers or video teasers of the upcoming movie. All we’ve really been shown so far is the first poster and a reveal image of the new doll’s face. We might still be waiting on a trailer, but the date for the movie’s premiere has been set for June 21, 2019. If what we know so far has you at all interested in the Child’s Play remake, be sure to mark down that date in next year’s calendar!
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