‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ Director Wants Jim Carrey as Freddy Krueger

by

Chuck Russell, who directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, believes Jim Carrey could be a good choice to play Freddy Krueger if the character were ever revived.

In an interview with Dread Central’s Development Hell podcast, Russell suggested that Jim Carrey has the potential to revitalize the horror franchise with a fresh, innovative approach.

Jim Carrey as Freddy Krueger?

Chuck Russell, the director of the 1994 film The Mask, complimented Jim Carrey’s acting skills, noting his ability to handle both funny and serious roles. Russell believes this range would make Carrey a surprisingly good choice to play Freddy Krueger.

Russell believed Jim was capable of achieving almost anything if he truly dedicated himself to it. However, to get Jim involved, they’d need a truly innovative take on the Elm Street series – something similar to how Wes Craven reinvented it with his self-aware New Nightmare. Both Jim and Russell would only agree to participate if the next Elm Street film took the franchise in a daring new direction.

Russell shared that he’d be eager to revisit the Elm Street franchise with the backing of everyone involved. He also noted that Patricia Arquette, known for her role in Dream Warriors, has indicated she’d be open to participating in a new film.

Robert Englund Has Retired the Claws

Robert Englund, the original Freddy Krueger from Wes Craven’s 1984 film, has officially retired from playing the character. He explained to Variety in 2023 that his age and some injuries are making it difficult to perform the physical demands of the role. Specifically, he said he can no longer reliably film fight scenes for more than one take due to a bad neck, back, and arthritis in his wrist.

Despite stepping away, Englund hasn’t ruled out a brief appearance if the franchise ever comes back. He even thinks Kevin Bacon would be a great choice for the role, praising Bacon’s appreciation for horror movies.

The Future of Nightmare on Elm Street

Freddy Krueger last appeared in the movie Freddy vs. Jason in 2003, and then again in a 2010 reboot starring Jackie Earle Haley. Since then, the A Nightmare on Elm Street series has been on hold, but there have been ongoing rumors that a new film is in development.

Director Chuck Russell hopes to reimagine the series with Jim Carrey, honoring the original films while taking Freddy Krueger in a bold new direction.

Jim Carrey is also being considered to play George Jetson in the upcoming live-action movie based on The Jetsons.

Read More

2025-10-23 07:01