Chucky: Horror Icon and Queer Ally
New York, June 10, 2024 — Chucky, the killer doll from the "Child’s Play" series, has been spotlighted as a queer icon by Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. During Pride Month, Peacock featured Chucky alongside classic LGBTQIA+ icons in a banner promoting a collection of queer-themed movies and TV shows.
Chucky, created by Don Mancini in 1988, has been depicted in various ways showing his support for LGBTQIA+ themes. In the 2021 TV series "Chucky," the doll reveals he has a gender-fluid child, establishing his role as a queer ally. This revelation occurs when Chucky responds to a gay teenager, Jake, confirming his acceptance and support.
Mancini, a gay man, explained that Chucky's evolution into a queer icon is intentional. The character's comfort with gender fluidity was first explored in "Bride of Chucky" (1998) and more explicitly in "Seed of Chucky" (2004), which featured Chucky's gender-fluid child.
The character's inclusion in Peacock’s queer-themed collection drew mixed reactions online, with some users surprised while others welcomed it. Mancini noted that those aware of Chucky's history understood his status as a queer icon.
Alan Cumming, another LGBTQIA+ icon featured in the Peacock banner, celebrated the alignment, marking Chucky's acceptance into the queer community. Chucky's depiction as a queer-friendly character has resonated with many LGBTQIA+ fans, appreciating the positive portrayal in the horror genre.