Get ready to meet Chauncey the bear. He’s not imaginary… and he’s not your friend, either. The new horror villain in Imaginary might also be the most high maintenance star on set, at least according to a new interview with the stars.

DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World Dominion) stars in and produces Imaginary, releasing in theaters on March 8, 2024. The upcoming horror film also stars Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Veronica Falcon, and Betty Buckley.

In Imaginary, “Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family. Her youngest stepdaughter Alice develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that begin playful and become increasingly sinister. As Alice’s behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize Chauncey is much more than a stuffed toy bear.”

The villain in Imaginary, Chauncey the bear, was brought to life via the award-winning animatronic and practical effects house Spectral Motion. Young star Pyper Braun, who plays Alice, also provided the voice for the animatronic bear. That doesn’t even touch on the various forms and iterations that Chauncey takes.

Bloody Disgusting spoke with Pyper Braun and Taegen Burns, who plays Alice’s sister Taylor, about working with practical effects. With Chauncey on hand to weigh in, the actors discuss their high maintenance co-star, the thrill of being scared, and more.

Blumhouse’s Jason Blum produced Imaginary, with Jeff Wadlow (Cry Wolf, Kick-Ass 2, Truth or Dare, Fantasy Island, The Curse of Bridge Hollow) producing and directing.

The screenplay is by Jeff Wadlow & Greg Erb & Jason Oremland.

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