Earlier this year everyone’s favourite killer doll Chucky was given a new lease on life in a reworked Child’s Play. The upgraded film, directed by Lars Klevberg, shifted from a possessed doll to an Alexa-style artificial intelligent creation called Buddi. After lonely teen Andy is gifted a returned Buddi by his mum, he soon finds the patient friend he’s always wanted. The good times don’t last for long though as it soon becomes clear that Andy’s Buddi, Chucky, will do anything to be Andy’s friend to the end. Even if that means taking out the competition.
This new Child’s Play arrives on Digital HD from Monday 11th October, and DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 21st October, just in time for Halloween. In preparation for the home entertainment release, we fired some questions over to Norwegian director Lars Klevberg to find out how it feels bringing Chucky back for a new generation.
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Along with the likes of Freddy, Jason and Michael Myers, Chucky is one of those horror characters that everyone seems to know. What is it about the character that you think people are drawn too?
From my perspective, I think it’s because Chucky has personality. And that he has been able to change as the years passed. Chucky is also one of the very few antagonists that is self-aware. The story’s humour, and Chucky´s own humour, has always been there.
Your version of Chucky is rather different from what has been seen before. In many ways, he could easily be seen as the victim of the film. He begins as a completely innocent and slowly changes through his interactions with those and the world around him. Were you consciously trying to offer up a more layered and sympathetic villain?
Yes. When I read the script, I felt for Chucky. I saw him as a toddler looking at the world for the very first time with innocent curious eyes. I didn’t want to make him shallow but add depth. I saw Child’s Play as a Greek tragedy between Andy and Chucky. A modern Frankenstein tale where you are shocked by his actions, but agree with his motivation. For me, that creates an interesting antagonist.
Child’s Play highlights humanity’s over-reliance on technology. Has making the film made you reassess your own usage?
Not in a specific way. I try to be less on my iPhone for sure. As long as technology is part of the evolution, I don’t think it will be bad for humans. But if it ends-up as a revolution, we might have another Nuclear bomb-type world-changing event in history as we move along.
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Despite making the film in the CGI/SFX era, you still chose to use puppets/animatronics to help bring Chucky to life. Personally I always find that having something real on-screen helps the audience better connect with the film, but that might just be because I grew-up watching Gremlins and Gremlins 2 on repeat. What do you think that practical effects/models etc bring that computer effects don’t?
For us it was very important to do this with an animatronic doll. Not only to pay homage to the existing Child Play universe but also because it helps the audience to emotionally connect to the doll. If the eye spots something that seems strange the brain will determine that it is not real and your emotional response will not be present.
I’m guessing using puppets etc. must have also thrown up some interesting challenges for you as a director. How did you find the experience?
It was hard. Because we had such a limited time shooting this movie, everything had to be planned weeks ahead. But even if you are 100% ready, mishaps will happen. The doll won’t work, his face looks weird, or the four people operating him can’t fit behind that bed, etc. So it was tough, but very rewarding when we got shots we were proud of. Sometimes the best shots where either me or Keith [Arbuthnot] holding the doll trying to hide as much as possible behind a desk, chair or bed.
This Child’s Play will be the first proper introduction to Chucky for many in the younger generation. How does it feel unleashing him onto a new generation?
It feels fantastic. I’m proud of the direction we are going for, and that we dared to do something different. This is a story about a killer doll named Chucky, but it is also surprisingly emotional and funny. Combining all of those elements was a risk, but I think it paid off in a great way.
Vertigo Releasing
Mark Hamill is well known for his voice work, at what point did you know he was your Chucky, and how much free reign did he have for creating his version of Chucky?
I was looking for an actor that could portray all of these emotions, and at the same time had a lot of experience doing voice acting. Mark is an amazing actor, he has created one of the most interesting characters in film history. I knew he did exceptional work as the Joker, so for me, he was my first choice. We had discussed the concept a bit before starting, and when he came in presenting his take, it was wonderful. So he was very much into creating what you see and hear in the movie.
The original series obviously spawned several sequels, do you think that there’s the scope to do the same again?
I hope so. It comes down to how much the audience loves the film. And based on that, it’s a decision taken by the studio.
Are you working on any other projects at the moment?
Yes, I’m currently writing a sci-fi thriller.
Child’s Play arrives on home entertainment platforms just in time for Halloween, what makes it the ideal choice for people’s Halloween scare?
It delivers something unexpected amongst horror movies that continue to do the same thing every year. It also has some great scares that make you want to double-check your Alexa before you go to bed…it might equip itself with a kitchen knife when you’re not there.
From Orion Pictures and KatzSmith Productions, Child’s Play will be available to buy on Digital download from 11th October and to buy on Blu-ray/DVD and Digital Rental from 21st October.
