Just spotted over on the r/HorrorMovies subreddit, a fresh debate is igniting among the Full Moon Features faithful. It seems that even in 2026, the legacy of Charles Band’s Puppet Master franchise remains as vibrant—and as divisive—as ever. A recent thread started by user /u/DarkBehindTheStars has brought a long-simmering grievance to the surface: why exactly has the fan-favorite puppet Torch been sidelined for so much of the series?
The Flame That Faded Too Soon?
Developing story in the horror community: fans are calling for a "Torch renaissance." For those who might need a refresher, Torch made his explosive debut in 1990’s Puppet Master II. With a flamethrower for a right arm and a helmet featuring a glowing red visor, he immediately became one of the most visually striking puppets in Andre Toulon’s gallery. However, despite his massive popularity, his appearances in the subsequent dozen-plus sequels have been surprisingly sparse.
The Reddit user noted, "Torch has always been mine. Always wish we saw much more of him, such a shame he's barely been in any of the films." This sentiment isn't just a lone voice in the dark; it echoes a long-standing frustration within the fandom. While Blade, Pinhead, and Tunneler have become the de facto faces of the franchise, Torch often feels like a special guest star who never quite secured a series regular contract.
Blade vs. Torch: A Battle for Screen Time
Take this with a grain of salt, but there have long been rumors in the industry regarding the technical difficulties of filming with Torch. As a professional horror journalist, I can tell you that the logistics of a puppet that literally shoots fire are significantly more complex than a puppet with a hook or a drill. In the early 90s, the practical effects required for Torch were both expensive and a potential fire hazard on set. This likely contributed to his reduced role as the series moved into lower-budget territories during the late 90s and 2000s.
On the other side of the blade is, well, Blade. The trench-coat-wearing, knife-wielding mascot is the undisputed king of Full Moon. As the Reddit thread highlights, "who doesn't love Blade." Blade is easy to handle, iconic, and requires much less post-production or specialized rigs compared to his incendiary counterpart. However, the fan push for more Torch suggests that the "easy route" might be wearing thin for some hardcore collectors and viewers.
What This Means for the Future of Puppet Master
Fresh from the rumor mill, there is always talk of new Puppet Master projects in the pipeline. Full Moon Features is known for its prolific output, and with the recent success of the Deadly Ten initiative and the reimagining of the series in Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich, the door is wide open for a return to form. Could we see a dedicated Torch spin-off or a film that finally centers on the fire-starter? If the buzz on social media is any indication, the demand is certainly there.
The Puppet Master series is unique in the horror world because it treats its "monsters" as a rotating ensemble cast. Much like the Slashers of the 80s, these puppets are the stars, and the humans are often just fodder. As fans continue to voice their preferences on platforms like Reddit, creators are listening. The resurgence of interest in underutilized puppets like Torch serves as a reminder that the Full Moon universe is deep, and there is plenty of room for more than just one or two headliners.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on any official announcements from Full Moon regarding the next chapter of the saga. Until then, we’ll just have to keep our old VHS copies of Puppet Master II on standby to get our Torch fix.