'Scariest season ever': Controversy over 'Chucky' unfolds as Season 3 premieres

Don Mancini's "Chucky" has become a Halloween tradition for some.

The third season is set to premiere Oct. 4, and promises to be the scariest one yet. Season 2 averaged 675,000 viewers, out of which 385,000 were adults ages 18-49, a coveted demographic for advertisers.

"Many thanks also to our partners at SYFY, USA, and UCP for helping us keep Chucky busy. See you in 2023 for what Chucky himself promises will be his scariest season ever," Mancini shared at the beginning of the year when the good news was first announced.

Chucky is a character from the Child's Play franchise, which started with a horror slasher movie called "Child's Play" in 1988. The plot revolves around a serial killer named Charles Lee Ray, who transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll just before a detective fatally shoots him. Later, on his sixth birthday, Andy Barclay receives the doll as a gift.

The Child's Play franchise comprises eight feature films, two short films, and a television series.

In the gripping first season of "Chucky," 14-year-old Jake Wheeler (played by the talented Zackary Arthur) discovers the notorious Good Guy doll at a yard sale. Though he initially plans to use it for a Halloween art project, he soon learns that the spirit of the infamous serial killer Charles Lee Ray possesses the doll. 

As Jake grapples with his sexuality and Chucky manipulates him into committing violent acts, he quickly becomes the prime suspect in a series of bizarre and shocking murders. The suspenseful and intense plot will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Chucky trailer for season three featured the famous doll as a member of America's First Family in the White House. It's unclear how Chucky got there or what he's doing.

Controversy over the series

"Chucky" the series' exploration of sexuality has led to criticism from some viewers. However, many argue that the criticisms of the show are unfounded.

Mancini, an openly gay man, has always implemented LGBTQ+ culture into the script. Although Glen/Glenda's, Chucky's child's gender identity is never specified in the movie, the Chucky series confirms their child's coming out story as one of embracing both their killer instinct and gender fluidity.

Mancini has also made the main character, Jake, fall in love with his best friend, now boyfriend Devon (Bjorgvin Arnarson).

Some fans of the original Child Play movies have shared on social media such as Reddit, Instagram, and Twitter their disappointment with the show's approach to sexuality, including comments about how the series is too "woke" and is sexualizing children.

Mancini includes LGBTQ+ characters in major and minor roles in his films and says he will continue.

"I just have tried to go further with it with each movie and create a space of representation in this genre in a major studio product that really has a broad reach around the world," he said to the Advocate.

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The Cast for Season 3

Season three of the series has confirmed the return of Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany Valentine, Zackary Arthur as Jake Wheeler, Bjorgvin Arnarson as Devon Evans, Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lexy Cross, and Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky.

Fiona Dourif reprises her role as Nica Pierce in the new season. Joining the cast is Devon Sawa as President James Collins. SNL alums Sarah Sherman and Kenan Thompson will also make an appearance.

Where to watch

"Chucky" is set to return for its third season on Oct. 4th at 9 p.m. ET. The show will air on both SYFY and the USA Network and be available on Peacock the following day. Season three will be released in two parts, with Part One premiering with S03E01 "Murder at 1600." Part Two is expected to arrive in 2024.