The main characters of Disney+'s Goosebumps series have endured numerous challenges due to Slappy's sinister master plan. Being centered around R.L. Stine's infamous villain, the series delves into a comprehensive and intricate backstory for Slappy, surpassing all expectations.
Margot, Lucas, James, Isabella, Isaiah, and Nora believed that their ordeal was concluded when they successfully hurled Slappy off a snow-covered mountain. However, Mr. Bratt reverts to his previous state of invisibility. As he endeavors to reclaim his identity as a writer, he embarks on a quest to craft an extraordinary tale that could bring in millions.
Die-hard fans of R.L. Stine's books are well aware that Slappy is one of the most formidable villains in the series. Slappy made his debut in 1993 in the final pages of "Night of the Living Dummy." His origin story revolves around a ventriloquist named Franz Maher and his partnership with an evil sorcerer named Kanduu. Kanduu possessed the ability to animate the puppets that Franz created.
What makes Slappy particularly spine-chilling is the fact that he was carved from wood sourced from a coffin. When Kanduu ultimately passed away, he chose to transfer his own soul into Slappy, eagerly awaiting the day when someone would utter the incantation to bring him back to life. However, Disney+ adds an intriguing twist and delves even deeper into Slappy's dark past as a human. Spoiler alert!
Slappy was a human soldier in Goosebumps
In the year 1879, before assuming the persona of the malevolent Slappy, he existed as a human Lieutenant soldier. Goosebumps faithfully adheres to R.L. Stine's original narrative of Kanduu encountering ventriloquist Franz Maher.
In 1879, as a soldier fighting on the frontlines of a war, Kanduu sustained a severe stomach injury during an enemy attack. In a twist of fate, he stumbled upon a concealed underground chamber where he accidentally ignited some gunpowder, revealing ancient inscriptions on the walls. As he read the incantations aloud, a sudden surge of mystical powers flowed through him, miraculously healing his wound.
Fast forward to 1885 in the bustling city of New York, Kanduu journeys to a circus in search of a skilled puppet maker. It is here that he encounters Franz Maher, who quickly recognizes Kanduu as more than just a mere magician. Eager to prove himself, Kanduu astounds Franz with his extraordinary abilities, asserting that he can transform the circus into a magnificent success. However, he requests Franz's assistance in constructing a special project as a condition for his services.
Franz becomes aware of Kanduu's sinister intentions after observing him use a spell that transforms humans into puppets. This revelation leads Franz to bestow upon Kanduu his own puppet, named Slappy, and recite an incantation. In an attempt to halt Franz, Kanduu stabs him with a knife, only for Franz to complete the incantation, trapping Kanduu's soul within the puppet.
In the climax of Goosebumps, Bratt resurrects Kanduu in exchange for a compelling story for a novel. Kanduu then reveals himself to the main characters and explains that he and his fellow soldiers were embroiled in a war that was not their own. The locals had taught them their language, allowing Kanduu to decipher the inscriptions.
His aim is to release every imaginable monster and horror using spells. He is of the belief that humans require monsters to prevent themselves from turning into monsters. Harold Biddle was ultimately revealed to be a mere pawn. Kanduu's backstory in Goosebumps is intriguing as the original books provide no prior information on who he is until his encounter with Franz.
Find more TV & Movies news from Dexerto here, gain insight into Margot's story from the producers of Goosebumps here, and discover their thoughts on The Conjuring here.
Editor's P/S
As a Goosebumps fan, I was thrilled to learn about Slappy's origins in the Disney+ series. The show delves into his past as a human soldier, which is a unique and intriguing twist on the character's story. I appreciate how the show stays true to R.L. Stine's original narrative while also adding new elements that expand on Slappy's character.
Overall, I think the reveal of Slappy's origins is a great addition to the Goosebumps mythos. It adds depth to the character and makes him even more complex and interesting. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Slappy and the rest of the Goosebumps gang.