It happens when you dream! And it’s happening AGAIN! Filming of the remake of Wes Craven’s “Nightmare On Elm Street” wrapped on July 10, 2009 and the new Nightmare is set to premier in theaters on April 16, 2010.
One, Two…Freddy’s Coming For You….Originally released in 1984, Wes Craven’s and New Line Cinema’s production of Nightmare On Elm Street featured a group of high school students being victimized in their dreams by the ghost of child murderer, Freddy Krueger. Grossing over $25 million at U.S. box offices, Nightmare became one of the most popular horror movies of the genre, with it’s villian, Freddy Krueger, becoming almost a household name. The premise of the film - Is never sleeping again the only way to end the terror?
Three, Four…Better Lock Your Door… The origin of Nightmare On Elm Street lies in several experiences from Wes Craven’s childhood. His inspiration for the basis of the film lies in several articles printed by the LA Times on a group of Cambodian refugees and their children, who were were suffering horrific nightmares, after which they refused to sleep. Acting on medical advice, their parents encouraged them to do so. However, each of the children died in their sleep soon after, following the second dream. The name for serial child murderer, Freddy Krueger, was taken from a bully that Craven went to school with, Fred Krueger. And, initially, Fred Krueger was intended to be a child molester but the character was changed to a child murderer due to some highly publicized child molestation cases that were going on in California at the time of production.
Five, Six…Grab Your Crucifix… And who IS this Freddy Krueger guy? Krueger was the child of a nun, Amanda Krueger, who was violently raped by one hundred raving maniacs. As a child, he was constantly ridiculed for his infamous and brutal conception and it was then that he started murdering small animals. After suffering abuse from his stepfather for many years, he killed him with a razor. Thus began his killing spree. After being aquitted of the murder of several children in Springwood, Ohio, the angry parents followed Krueger to his hideout and burned it to the ground, with him in it. Ever since that night, Krueger has taken his revenge on the parents of Springwood by stalking their children through their dreams.
Seven, Eight…Gonna Stay Up Late… This new incarnation of Nightmare On Elm Street is being produced by Platinum Dunes and will keep the original high school setting. This version will give us more information on Freddy’s background and the psychology behind his murderous nature. The reboot, directed by Samuel Bayer and written by Wesley Strick, (”Arachniphobia” , “Cape Fear”) based on Wes Craven’s own adaptation, portrays Freddy as a child molester, the way Craven originally intended. Fans of the franchise who doubted the remake’s success with anyone other than Englund in the starring role are applauding the casting of Jackie Earl Haley as the new Freddy Krueger. Oscar nominee Haley earlier this yeared rocked in his roll of Rorschach in Watchmen, quashing all doubts about this new Elm Street’s success. Coincidentally, Haley auditioned for a role in the original Nightmare On Elm Street but was beat out by his friend, Johnny Depp, who just went along for the company!
Nine, Ten….Never Sleep Again! So mark your calendars, folks! April 16, 2010 is the date…can you stay awake that long? Freddy’s betting you can’t!
Don’t even think about going to see the remake of Nightmare On Elm Street unless you’ve already seen the Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger starring Robert Englund! Visit NightmareElmStreet.com for movie updates and gossip!
