‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ Director Thinks Jim Carrey Could Play Iconic Horror Villain: ‘A Bold New Direction’
It’s interesting to wonder who exactly could take over Freddy Krueger’s fedora and knife-fingered glove in the greater Nightmare on Elm Street universe.
But if an accomplished horror director had his way, the series would cast none other than Jim Carrey to play the iconic sneering serial killer, bringing a “bold new direction” to the long Nightmare on Elm Street canon.
Speaking on a recent episode of Dread Central’s Development hell podcast, director Chuck Russell spoke about his views on the franchise nearly 40 years after directing and co-writing the 1987 one. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
Although he tipped his hat to former Freddy actor Robert Englund, Russell also mentioned that he would be interested to see what Jim Carrey, 63, could bring to the role after their previous collaboration in the 1994 film. The Mask.
Above all, Russell said he had enough confidence in Carrey’s ability to disappear into any role he considered, even if it meant channeling a character as terrifying as Freddy Krueger.
“Jim, in my opinion, could do almost anything if he put his mind to it,” Russell said on the podcast.
However, Russell also quickly added that, to even consider casting Carrey in the role, the series would have to create a more unique sequel, recalling ” Wes Craven’s new nightmare.
“In order for Jim to do it, we had to do something that was another step forward in the world. Elm Street series – a bit like what Wes did with his very meta New nightmare“, Russell said. “I think Jim would only consider this, and I would only consider operating Jim, if there was a bold new direction for Elm Street.”
Of course, the last time audiences saw Freddy Krueger was with the ill-fated 2010 remake, A Nightmare on Elm Street. At the time, the character was played by Watchmen alumnus Jackie Earle Haley.
Unfortunately, there has yet to be another entry in the series to date.
This story was originally reported by Parade on October 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as your preferred source by clicking here.
