Culture

“I can’t take it anymore”: Fans condemn cancellation of LGBTQ+ inclusive Chucky series

By Jordan Robledo

28th September 2024

The Chucky TV series has been cancelled, and fans are very unhappy.

Back in 2021, horror fans were treated to the latest entry in the popular Child’s Play franchise.

Set after the events of 2017’s Cult of Chucky, the show follows teenager Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur), who is struggling with his sexuality in a small suburban town.

After finding the creepy doll at a yard sale, horrific murders begin to occur, changing the town and its residents forever.

While the series featured a handful of new faces, Brad Dourif, the original voice actor of the psychotic doll, reprised his role alongside other franchise veterans Jennifer Tilly, Alex Vincent, and Christine Elis.

Since its release, the show has earned universal acclaim from fans and critics, with its third entry earning 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

In addition to the show’s creative and multilayered storylines, Chucky has been lauded by queer viewers for its unapologetic LGBTQIA+ representation and for featuring the franchise’s first-ever gay kiss.

However, despite its success, the devious doll’s chaotic adventures have unfortunately come to an end.

According to a report from Variety, Syfy and USA Networks have opted not to move forward with a fourth season despite there being alleged conversations to wrap up the story with a shortened season or film.

Since the news was announced, fans have flocked to social media to express their disappointment over the cancellation, which spawned the “RenewChucky” hashtag.

One viewer on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “FIRST PLL NOW THIS????????? I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE.”

Another viewer tweeted: “It’s sad to see Chucky, which was one of my comfort shows, be cancelled. I applaud the series for unapologetically showcasing LGBTQ+ characters/storylines.”

A third viewer added: “Chucky just got cancelled… so that means we’re never gonna know what will happen to the horror trio. Oh I’m SICK.”

Mancini and members of the cast have also shared their reactions to the news, with the former writing: “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 dd have.

“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.”

Tilly echoed similar sentiments on her X profile, teasing that “resurrections are Chucky’s speciality.”

“We’re really proud of our show. It has been a wonderful miracle working with this talented cast and crew. We were very lucky to have the leadership of our brilliant captain [creator] Don Mancini,” she wrote.

“But (to quote Call of Duty) we are ‘down but not out.’ Resurrections are Chucky’s specialities and he has many of them.”

Check out more fan reactions to Chucky’s cancellation below.

All three seasons of Chucky are available to stream on Peacock.