Fans of 80s horror classic distraught as future of franchise is confirmed

Just one month before the spookiest day of the year, fans of an 80s horror reboot series have been left distraught by the cancellation of the show. 

It was announced this morning that after three seasons of the much-loved series Chucky, it will not return for a fourth. 

Based on the iconic 80s film, Child’s Play, the TV adaption followed the creepy killer doll after he was found at a yard sale in the suburbs. Going on to cause chaos, the series went on to tell the tale of murders and secrets in the once-safe neighbourhood. 

The horror comedy series, created by Syfy and USA Network, starred Brad Dourif from the original cult classic, along with Zackary Arthur, Bjorgvin Arnarson, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Devon Sawa, and Jennifer Tilly. 

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news this morning after receiving confirmation from creator, Don Mancini. 

‘I’m heartbroken over the news that Chucky won’t be coming back for a fourth season, but am so grateful for the killer three years we did have,’ he said. 

‘I’d like to thank UCP/SYFY/Peacock/Eat the Cat, our awesome cast and Toronto-based crew (the best in the business), and finally, to our amazing fans, a big bloody hug. Your incredible #RenewChucky campaign really warmed Chucky’s cold heart. Chucky will return! He ALWAYS comes back.’ 

Upon hearing the devastating news, fans quickly took to social media to share their outrage at the decision, admitting it was especially brutal as it followed a shock cliffhanger at the end of season three. 

‘Cancelling chucky is honestly such a disappointment especially when it ended on that cliffhanger with no resolution for the trio and nica’, Bradley Berdecia wrote on X. 

Tyler Calvert agreed, adding: ‘This cliffhanger is even more sick and twisted after CHUCKY being cancelled.’ 

Meanwhile, PeppersGhostSCP pointed out that it isn’t exactly off-brand for the franchise: ‘At this point, it’s basically tradition for the Chuckyverse to leave fans on a buck wild bizarro cliffhanger for years on end’. 

Travis added: ‘Unpopular opinion: I’m sad it’s ending BUT the fact that they ended the series with Chucky winning is so fitting. I love this dark ending  ’ 

Elsewhere, some fans are optimistic that the series may be continued in film format as it was confirmed in March that Mancini was in the early stages of developing a new film.

WesJohn20592 wrote: ‘Luckily, Don Mancini will most likely continue the story in the new chucky movie he’s working on.’

‘Not really considering that they can just make a new Chucky movie with these characters included in it? You guys act like Chucky is done forever. Nothing has ever stopped Don Mancini from creating Chucky movies,’ FandomAnxiety tweeted. 

The series’ ending comes as a surprise as it holds a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 93 per cent and attracted over four million viewers in the first week it hit screens in 2021. 

In 2022, it continued to see success, with The Hollywood Reporter announcing it was included among the top 10 dramas on cable television for adults between 18 and 49 years old.