INDIANAPOLIS — One national entertainment chain is removing its animatronics, but insists it has nothing to do with the release of a recent horror movie featuring similar mechatronic puppets.
Chuck E. Cheese announced it is removing its animatronic bands at all locations except for one location in California, according to the company's official release.
The release came almost three weeks after the premiere of "Five Nights at Freddy's," a horror movie based on the popular video game which follows a security guard who must survive five nights in a Chuck E. Cheese-inspired restaurant while animatronic characters come alive and try to kill him.
Chuck E. Cheese released the following statement about the timing:
“We made public our plans to move away from the animatronics in 2017. Chuck E. Cheese has remodeled more than 300 fun centers across the U.S. and Canada over the last few years as we phased out animatronics and brought in new features and games. Reports or any implications that this rebranding initiative has anything to do with a movie that came out a couple of weeks ago are completely false and made up.” – Alejandra Brady, Head of PR and Crisis Communications
While one of the company's staples is being stripped away, the business says it is already busy working on renovations, with updated features and options for all ages.
"New enhancements include a new state-of-the-art interactive dance floor, a giant video wall and screens, the most popular kid-focused arcade games and new trampolines zones in select fun centers around the nation," the company wrote in its release.
Chuck E. Cheese also announced it has more plans to "celebrate its nostalgia" with fans and offer more entertainment for new guests.
"Expect more exciting announcements leading up to the brand's 50th Anniversary in 2027," the release stated.
As of August 2023, Chuck E. Cheese has more than 550 locations across 47 states across the U.S. and 17 countries across the world.
