Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street is one of the most enduring horror franchises for numerous reasons, but mostly because of its charismatic villain, the dream demon, Freddy Krueger; he has been played by two different actors since the first movie in 1984, Robert Englund and Jackie Earle Haley. Who gave the better performance?
One of many knock-offs, and memes.
When the remake, Nightmare on Elm Street, was announced, fans were skeptical given that Robert Englund wasn't cast in the role that he single-handedly made iconic. Jackie Earle Haley was cast instead, and brought with him some serious acting chops, which included roles in Shutter Island and Watchmen. Haley had been acting since the 1970s, so there was no doubt that he'd be able to bring a substantial amount of talent to the remake, but would it be the same?
Why Robert Englund Was The Best Freddy Krueger Actor
Though Jackie Earle Haley can't be blamed for the reasons why Nightmare on Elm Street wasn't successful, he brought a more menacing, serious aspect to the role that made Freddy Krueger almost unrecognizable to franchise fans. While there was some love for the remake from younger audiences who hadn't grown up on the franchise due to its bigger budget allowing for popular young actors, sleek special effects, and a more blockbuster feel, critics and audiences panned the movie in general. Some people are fans of Haley's more serious Krueger, but it made him more of a generic killer than a deeply disturbing, wisecracking terror who taunts his victims before using their greatest fears and insecurities to bring about their demise.
his many quotable lines, some of which have become almost as iconic as Krueger himself, just don't feel the same with another actor delivering the line. Englund brought a personality to the screen that was larger than life, which is what both Freddy Krueger and the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise have relied upon for decades.
While the actor has gone back and forth on whether he'll ever play the role again, it's possible there could be another movie in the future now that Wes Craven's estate is taking pitches for another movie; whoever dons the hat and glove next is going to have big shoes to fill.
