Don Mancini

Don Mancini is a screenwriter, producer, and director renowned for his significant mark on the horror genre. He began writing for television before his big screen debut. His breakthrough came with the 1988 slasher classic Child's Play, where he scripted the tale of a serial killer's soul trapped in a Good Guy doll named Chucky. This film not only launched a billion-dollar franchise but also established Mancini as a master of campy, subversive horror that blends gore with biting social commentary.

Mancini's horror credits are dominated by the Child's Play saga, spanning seven films from Child's Play (1988) to Cult of Chucky (2017), where he served as writer and producer. He expanded the universe into television with the Emmy-nominated Chucky series (2021–present) on SYFY and USA Network, directing episodes.

Beyond Chucky, Mancini penned the script for Seed of Chucky (2004), which he also directed, pushing boundaries with self-referential Hollywood satire and celebrity cameos. His work often subverts doll tropes, exploring themes of identity and monstrosity with dark humor.

Mancini's influence extends to other horror ventures, including co-writing Bride of Chucky (1998) and producing the straight-to-video Curse of Chucky (2013), which revitalized the series amid franchise fatigue.

Meet Don all weekend at the Washington State Horror Con from October 24th through the 26th. He will be signing autographs, taking photos, and speaking on a panel at the show.