Wes Craven's New Nightmare
A meta-sequel where Freddy invades the real world.
Wes Craven's New Nightmare, often shortened to New Nightmare, is a 1994 American meta supernatural horror film. Craven, who created the original 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street, both wrote and directed it. This movie serves as a meta-sequel to Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991) and is the seventh entry in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series. The story presents Freddy Krueger as a fictional movie monster that breaks into the real world, tormenting the actual cast and crew who have worked on the films about him. Here, Freddy is portrayed much closer to Craven's original vision—far more menacing and less comedic, with an updated look and costume. The cast includes Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Miko Hughes, and John Saxon.
Many people from the film industry appear as themselves, including Langenkamp, who is forced by the story's events to return to her role as Nancy Thompson. The film includes several nods to the original movie, such as quotes and re-creations of its most famous scenes. It won an International Fantasy Film Award from Fantasporto for Best Screenplay, written by Craven.
Released on October 14, 1994, Wes Craven's New Nightmare earned $19.8 million at the box office against an $8 million budget, making it the lowest-grossing film in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series. Despite this, critics gave it positive reviews, and it is widely regarded as one of the best Nightmare movies and one of Craven's most lasting works. It was followed in 2003 by Freddy vs. Jason, a crossover with the Friday the 13th franchise that takes place in the same continuity as the other A Nightmare on Elm Street films.
- Release year
- 1994
- Director
- Wes Craven
- Genre
- Meta supernatural horror
- Box office
- $19.8 million
- Budget
- $8 million
- Franchise
- A Nightmare on Elm Street
- Award
- International Fantasy Film Award for Best Screenplay
Lore & Background
The film stars Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, Miko Hughes, and John Saxon, with various industry figures portraying themselves. Langenkamp is compelled by events to reprise her role as Nancy Thompson. The film features homages to the original 1984 film, including quotes and recreations of famous scenes. Freddy is depicted as closer to Craven's original intention—more menacing and less comical, with updated attire and appearance.
Reader's Guide
Wes Craven's New Nightmare was released on October 14, 1994, grossing $19.8 million on an $8 million budget, making it the lowest-grossing film in the series. However, it received positive reviews and is considered by many as one of the best Nightmare movies and one of Wes Craven's most enduring films. It was followed by 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, a crossover with the Friday the 13th franchise set in the same continuity as the other A Nightmare on Elm Street films. The film won an International Fantasy Film Award from Fantasporto for Best Screenplay by Craven.
Did You Know?
- Freddy's costume was altered to be darker with more organic makeup and a revised glove.
- A scripted sequence showing Robert Englund transformed into a fly in a giant Freddy-spider web was not filmed due to time and budget constraints.
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