From enthusiastic horror auteur Jordan Peele all the way to Wolverine hunk Hugh Jackman, it appears the latest trend fogging up Hollywood’s windows is asking whether or not a particular celebrity is queer . Hell, I might even have to wonder if I’m gay. Oh yeah, I am, but that’s a story for a unlike time.
As it turns out, the latest celebrity in the “are they gay?!” hotseat would be actor Zackary Arthur — the juvenile up-and-coming star from the widely-popular horror television series Chucky. At just 17-years-old, Arthur has already made a monumental name for himself amongst a sea of young actors in the Hollywood bubble. From participating in full-length movie The 5th Wave to a small role in medical extravaganza Grey’s Anatomy, it’s clear the young star is climbing up the ranks with a bang.
Alongside his acting prowess, Arthur has simultaneously made a big splash on social media and has become a celebrity which fans interact with often. Most posts on his Instagram currently depict various photo dumps, although Arthur has been acknowledged in the past to post practice videos and showcase his extensive development in the gym.
LGBTQ+ Themes in the “Chucky” Franchise
The iconic “Chucky” franchise is more than an influential horror property; it’s also significant in terms of progressive LGBTQ+ representation.
Thinking of LGBTQ+ horror, Chucky (aka Child’s Play) is the first horror franchise that comes to mind.
While I haven’t written much on Gay themes, it’s worth noting that I identify as the “B” in Gay. But I grew up during a time when that acronym didn’t remain in the universal vernacular, and issues about sexuality and gender identity were only discussed in hushed tones accompanied by slurs and derisive comments.
Growing up during the 80s, if issues relating to gay, pansexual, or transgender people were discussed at all, it was usually accompanied by homophobic comments. Not only did the term LGBTQ+ not exist, but neither did inclusive terms like transgender, nonbinary, pansexual, or asexual.
I love that I can explore these issues now as they relate to my own journey. However, the absence of this growing up affected me in an adverse way.
This is why I wanted to write about the Chucky franchise.
The originator of this ic
5 Reasons Why Chucky Is One Of The Best Teen Homosexual Dramas
Horror TV shows have experienced a renaissance over the last decade. Some of the foremost ones blend comedy and drama with compelling characters. Many also rely on popular horror production franchises. Chucky the TV series falls into these categories. It also falls into the amazing teen LGBTQ+ TV show community because it’s one of the most openly queer horror shows on television.
Chucky is more of a drama-comedy than a direct drama but it’s one of the most captivating shows that has a queer teen ethics as the lead. The series begins with Jake (Zackary Arthur) trying to become comfortable with his sexuality. He also begins to fall in love. The rest of the series follows him proudly embracing his same-sex attracted identity, and trying to escape death by a killer doll.
As a horror series, Chucky has a lot of heart, and is more progressive than many would expect.
You may appreciate
Warning minor Chucky spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.
At Its Heart, Chucky Is A Coming Of Age Story About A Queer Teen
Chucky Season 1 focuses a lot on Jake knowing his sexuality but being anxious to embrace it because of his
5 Reasons Jake and Devon’s Relationship in ‘Chucky’ Is So Precious
It’s not news to say that the Child’s Play franchise is very queer. We wouldn’t even have the series without Don Mancini, who is a gay gentleman himself. Therefore, having lgbtq+ characters throughout the Chucky series isn’t surprising. Though it served as such a treat for those of us who are part of the group.
The Chucky TV series is of course about how Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif), the famed possessed doll, is running rampant and ruining the lives of … adv, everyone. He’s good at that, after all. The series is also about Jake (Zackary Arthur) and the people he’s claimed as chosen family. One person who is included in Jake’s circle is Devon (Björgvin Arnarson), who eventually becomes his crush. And they make so much sense as a pairing, rather than be strung together for voice points.
What exactly makes them so precious as a couple? I’ll list some reasons why below.
1. They are friends, too
It’s more meaningful when there’s an established connection before a relationship begins. With Jake and Devon, t