Don Mancini Signs With Independent Artist Group as New Chucky Movie Moves Forward

Don Mancini, the creative force behind the Child’s Play and Chucky franchise for nearly four decades, has signed with Independent Artist Group (IAG) for representation. The deal comes as the filmmaker prepares to develop the next chapter of the killer doll’s story while expanding into original film and television projects.

According to Deadline, Mancini’s priorities at IAG will include developing the next iteration of the Chucky franchise and building a slate of original projects for both film and television.

The timing is particularly interesting for horror fans, as Mancini has already confirmed that another Chucky movie is in development, following the conclusion of the character’s three-season television series.

Don Mancini Is Developing the Next Chucky Movie

Mancini is writing the upcoming feature and is also expected to direct, bringing the franchise back to theaters after years of television and direct-to-video releases.

The filmmaker previously discussed his plans for the next movie, including a desire to make Chucky frightening again. He has pointed to the darker atmosphere of Curse of Chucky and the original Child’s Play films as key influences on the direction he wants to take.

Another important detail is continuity. The new movie is expected to remain connected to the existing franchise, including the previous films and all three seasons of the Chucky television series.

Mancini’s involvement is especially significant because he has remained closely connected to the property since creating the original Child’s Play in 1988. He has written every installment in the film franchise and directed several entries, including Seed of Chucky, Curse of Chucky, and Cult of Chucky.

A theatrical release would also mark a major return for the character. The last Chucky feature to receive a theatrical release was Seed of Chucky in 2004. The two subsequent films, Curse of Chucky and Cult of Chucky, went directly to home video before the franchise expanded onto television.

Don Mancini Is Also Developing Original Horror Projects

Beyond the killer doll, Mancini is looking to broaden his creative work with projects outside the franchise.

Earlier this year, the filmmaker revealed that he was writing an original haunted house movie. He also discussed developing a new television series with longtime collaborator Jennifer Tilly.

Mancini has spent much of his career building and expanding the Chucky universe, making the prospect of an original horror feature particularly interesting. Details about the haunted house project remain limited, including whether he intends to direct the film himself.

For now, the next Chucky movie remains a major priority, but his new deal with IAG could open the door to a much wider range of projects. Further details about both the franchise’s future and Mancini’s original work are still to come.