The horror world was in shock the other night when news broke that MGM was fast-tracking a franchise reboot to Child’s Play, their 1980s horror classic centered on a toy doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Typically, the revival of any genre franchise is cause for celebration in the horror community, but this one is rubbing many of us the wrong way considering that the original franchise is alive and well. Yes, Chucky, the killer doll that was introduced to audiences back in 1988, is still alive and kicking killing. Universal, franchise creator Don Mancini, and franchise producer David Kirschner have been collaborating for years on several sequels that recently set the stage for a television series that’s currently in development. If MGM is rebooting/remaking the Child’s Play films while the creators are in development on a television series, would they offer their blessing? The answer is, no.

We reached out to Mancini and Kirschner, who tell us that MGM has reached out on several occasions to offer them Executive Producer credits to back their new take on the first film. They declined. In fact, Mancini and Kirschner tell me that Universal is fully committed to keeping Chucky canon within the forthcoming series and planned movie sequels (yup, more Chucky movies are in the cards!)

“We’re still working on the series and also plan to continue the film franchise with Universal,” Mancini tells us. “We intend to stay true to the universe we’ve created.”

Not only are the creators pushing forth with the Child’s Play series, but it will also see the return of Brad Dourif, who has provided the voice of Chucky through seven films. Thus, we have confirmed Dourif is not going to be involved in the MGM film, and that he is firmly committed to continue playing Chucky in Don and David’s canonical TV series and in future features at Universal.

MGM’s new incarnation, which would be directed by Polaroid director Lars Klevberg, allegedly will continue to use the name Chucky, only the A.I. in a doll goes horribly wrong.

So herein lies the conundrum as a fan, do you support a remake of an existing franchise that’s alive and well? One that’s been canon for 30 years? One that’s still backed, supported and continuing with the original creative team, character, and stars?!

We’re friends ’til the end, remember?