A Nightmare on Elm Street Stars Reflect on Franchise's Legacy and Possible Future

As a fan of the horror genre, it’s always fascinating to delve into the lives and thoughts of the people who have brought our favorite villains to life. In this case, Robert Englund, the man behind Freddy Krueger, shares his unique insights on the impact of playing such an iconic character.

In the late ’70s and early ’80s, there was a significant increase in the creation of slasher films, with movies such as Halloween, Friday the 13th, and The Burning becoming popular due to their depiction of a masked killer terrorizing teenagers. However, filmmaker Wes Craven flipped this concept upside down with A Nightmare on Elm Street, where high school students confronted the supernatural menace Freddy Krueger, who hunted them in their dreams. Even though it’s been over a decade since the last installment was released, the original 1984 version of the film continues to be as iconic as ever, largely due to the acting talents of Heather Langenkamp and Robert Englund. On October 1st, A Nightmare on Elm Street will be re-released digitally, while a 4K Ultra HD release is scheduled for October 15th.

In my gaming world, I find myself drawn into the chilling tale of Springwood, Ohio – a seemingly ordinary town with an ominous past. As a player, I step into the shoes of the local residents who, after enduring the heinous acts of a man named Krueger (Englund), experience a twisted form of justice when he’s miraculously set free despite his atrocious crimes against their children.

Recently, ComicBook had a chat with Englund and Langenkamp about their ties to the film, its enduring impact, and potential future developments.

A Nightmare on Elm Street Stars Reflect on Franchise's Legacy and Possible Future

In a more conversational style: “Robert, is there a question about Freddy that people often ask which you wish they wouldn’t anymore?

Robert Englund lamented, “I’ve had enough of hearing ‘Mr. Englund, how long does it take to apply the makeup?’ It’s astonishing that people are unaware of this information.

At what age can your children watch “A Nightmare on Elm Street” without being labeled as a negligent parent?

As a seasoned gamer reflecting on my experiences, I’d initially estimate that Nightmare on Elm Street was first watched around age 14. Yet, witnessing the enthusiasm of today’s younger generation, I guess I’d now put it at about 8. The number’s hard to pin down, really.

Englund: It seems to me that the bar has been raised in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy movies. Children are watching shows like ‘Game of Thrones’. While ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ was once considered controversial, it pales in comparison to some of the more intense content now available. So, I would say that a child around 12 years old could probably handle it safely.

Langenkamp suggests: Always understand your child well, as not every child is suitable for watching at any age.

Englund: At 12, you’d find it safe to view, but consider this: younger children may accidentally come across it, and these are the kids who haven’t been educated about stranger danger or the darker aspects of life yet. They tend to watch it as a haunting fairy tale, similar to something by the Brothers Grimm. It frightens them, but they watch it with a sense of fascination, not realizing that it might reflect societal realities. Instead, they perceive it as a cautionary story.

Have we ever discussed the possibility of both of you voicing characters for an R-rated, animated movie featuring Freddy and Nancy, given that you’ve said you’re no longer playing Freddy in person?

Englund: Well, that’s a great idea. Let’s go for it. We’ll have lunch. Yeah, that’s a great idea.

I wrote the whole thing, I got it ready for you guys.

Englund proposes: It’d be fantastic to see Freddy in a modern game, perhaps something along the lines of an eerie, animated adaptation of “A Nightmare on Elm Street”.

As a gamer speaking directly, I’ve often pondered this question: You know, Robert, taking on the role of such a notorious villain is fascinating. But sometimes, I wonder if you feel the need to balance that out in real life and be exceptionally kinder than usual?

Englund admits to this case. When it initially gained massive popularity, perhaps following the release of Part 2 , he realized that he couldn’t control its success anymore and decided to embrace it. He started appearing in public with a more polished look, wearing suits more often than usual and sporting his reading glasses frequently to distinguish himself. This was to avoid being mistaken for just another unkempt actor playing a burnt character. Interestingly, Englund had already been taking on suit-and-tie roles in Hollywood before Freddy Krueger, so the industry was familiar with him and he wasn’t concerned about his reputation there.

In the event that the character Freddy Krueger were to exist in our contemporary world of social media and smartphones, what adjustments might we anticipate in his methods for tormenting his victims, according to your thoughts?

Wow, it’s almost hard to imagine creating a truly terrifying character in this digital age because once the frightening aspects are revealed, there are hundreds of memes making fun of you, and people find ways to embarrass you online. I’m not sure if Freddy Krueger would be able to survive today.

Englund: Freddy texts. I wonder if I could get my tongue in a smartphone.

Langenkamp: As soon as you try to frighten me, I notice the memes right away. It seems there’s always another topic being joked about in them.

Englund proposes an intriguing twist in the horror genre by suggesting the integration of technology as a plot element. He admits to being drawn to this concept, but feels that the mythology of “Nightmare on Elm Street” might not be the best fit. Instead, he imagines a prequel titled “Ambulance Chasers,” where Freddy’s courtroom drama unfolds. The lawyers in this story could be depicted as unscrupulous, with character actors bringing these roles to life. This setting would provide an opportunity for courtroom drama and the exploration of sleazy lawyer characters, a subgroup known as “ambulance chasers.

In the spirit of the groovy ’70s, let’s rephrase: On the courthouse steps, Freddy struts his stuff after securing his victory. He may not be Freddy just yet, but once the flames test him, it’ll become clear who he is – a man with secrets as deep as the shag-pile carpets in his suburban abode. His wife and child are part of this intricate puzzle, adding layers to the enigma that is our twisted protagonist. As the sun sets over the neighborhood, a sleazy disco pulses with neon lights at the corner, hinting at the seedy underbelly beneath the idyllic façade.

On October 1st, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” will be available for a fresh digital release, while it will hit the shelves of 4K Ultra HD stores on October 15th.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

2024-09-26 02:10

A Nightmare on Elm Street Stars Reflect on Franchise’s Legacy and Possible Future

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