Craving brains? We can help!
Login or Join The Infected with a FREE account!
User Name: Password:
NEWS REVIEWS COMING SOON INTERVIEWS BDTV VIDEO MOVIE PIT ARTICLES
FORUMS BLOGS USER GALLERIES THE INFECTED ABOUT US NEWS FEEDS PODCASTS

RUMOR #634: Billy Bob Thornton to Play Freddy Krueger?
Monday, August 11, 2008


By: MrDisgusting
Comments

Let this be the day of terrible rumors - and hopefully by days end we'll have put this one to rest. JoBlo is reporting that Robert Englund was on Loveline last night promoting his upcoming film, JACK BROOKS: MONSTER SLAYER, and during his appearance he claimed that he had heard that Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton was a name being thrown around to play Freddy Krueger in the remake of A NIGHTMARE ONE ELMS STREET. Englund has been known to "invent" stories that he thinks would be cool. With New Line Cinema hiring Wesley Strick to write the screenplay just a few weeks ago, it seems highly unlikely that any casting talk is underway. File this one under "ridiculous rumor" until further noted.



Source: JoBlo

Previous Story Print Story Send to a Friend Next Story

Read 57 User Comments
djblack1313
7:00pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

i think Billy Bob's a good actor, right? i've never actually seen him in anything (just on the arm of Angelina waaay back when). i really DON'T see him doing this kind of movie, nor do i see him stepping in to someone else's shoes to fit a role that's SOOOOOOO iconic.

horrorbuff2010
7:04pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

yeah same here. i honestly think Billy Bob should stick to his comedies, it's what he's good at. for Freddy my choices would be Kevin Bacon or Kiefer Sutherland.

magnaderalpha
7:06pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Horrible rumor. Robert, what were you thinking?! I Billy Bob's too famous of a name to be in a NOES remake. You can't get someone famous to step in an portray an iconic horror villain and hope for staying power(since it's likely the NOES reboot will be in the hope for sequels galore). You have to find someone small, who'd be willing to stick it out(Billy Bob would probably charge an arm and a leg, no slasher pun intended).

Sean of the Dead
7:12pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I feel Robert Knepper (Prison Break's T-Bag) is the only choice to take the glove and mask and bring the character back to life. I believe he will perfect it. Why does Robert always make up stories, that's a bit of a weird habit.

djblack1313
7:13pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Englund's time is past. he hasn't been scary for um, forever. not since the 1st part. the 1st part was pretty good and dark and scary. EVERY other part was cheesy (bad) one liners and weren't at all vicious and scary. i respect people who love this franchise and Englund, but if they HAVE to do a remake/reboot start over from scratch like they are doing w/ Friday the 13th. i don't envy the guy the cast as the new Freddy though. there's NO WAY he'll be accepted by the majority of Elm St. fans. so why bother.

disanti
7:34pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I still say Ben Foster would be the best Freddy for the re-boot. Billy Bo is just as old an Englund...that makes now sense.

disanti
7:35pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

wow...i need to look at what i type haha

deadlover
7:39pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

NO BILLY BOB.

wizzack
7:43pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

englund is a has-been and one trick pony. get a life freddy.

Scream110
7:46pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Actually, I don't think Thornton is such a bad choice...Sue me?

THE ledgend killer
7:48pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

ben foster, christain bale,

cpanthers
7:50pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Platinum Dunes doesn't even have the rights yet do they

NoOneImportant
7:52pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I thought he passed on being the green goblin when they were gonna make the first spider-man movie because he thought he would have to do hours of makeup for the goblin mask.So why would he do this?

EmotionlessReality
7:56pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

If Billy Bob plays Freddy Krueger, i'll go see the fucking re-make...

ziltoid the omniscient
7:56pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Agreed on Robert Knepper. Excellent choice. Still, this movie will suck harder than Bobbi Bliss on Mandingo Mondays.

rockandhorror83
8:01pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Micheal Rosenbaum was rumored as well wasnt he? I think he'd be a good one. Billy Bob?...well...in all fairness, the man can give you the creeps. I dont think hes above playing it like some people suggest (his past few movies have been real bombs). I could go for this.

guarino2002
8:14pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Umm no I really like billy bob but I couldnt imagine him being freedy, that would be a travesty and would be a stab in the back for robert englund. Up yours wizzack: robert englund is the master of comedy/horror he will always be one of the best.

shitbuster
8:20pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I can’t help but think that this generation is living off my own nostalgia. Friday the 13th, Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, My Bloody Valentine have been made into films. Why? Is it because the well is dry or the simple fact that my generation runs Hollywood and we want to relive the glory days?

IrvingWallace
8:24pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

NO. ROBERT ENGLUND ONLY.

djblack1313
8:39pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

i think if anyone can make Freddy scary again, i'm talking FUCKING SCARY again, it's Platinum Dunes. they (IMO) made Leatherface EXTRA scary and are making Jason VERY scary again. they (if they end up doing Elm St.) will make Freddy awesome again.

ParisHiltonLover
8:59pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Your Joking Right!!!

Zombie_Don
10:16pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I think he would be a perfect fit!

magnaderalpha
10:19pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

djblack1313, PD would rehire Shannon and Swift to pen the script. Those two knuckleheads are the absolute WORST choices to pen the script. They are fine for Ft13 remake, cause Ft13 was always about campiness, but look at FvJ. Horrible. The original NOES was a pretty serious straight up horror movie with some psychological mind fucks tossed in. That's something Craven got right. That's something a more experienced writer(more experienced that Shannon and Swift) should handle.

jhowington32
10:20pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

billy bob would crush that role ! i also like the t bag from prison break idea! and they could make him scary again! p hilton yer just 1 of those dumb fucks who thinks thy need 2 trash remakes cuz u want 2 fit in with all the other dumb fucks tht think the orig. is being replaced with this remake! well its not! so fucking get over it! i bet you'll b there at the theater like every other hater will!! its agood time at the movies! nothing more! a chance 2 c fready on the big screen again!!! who wouldnt want that...

djblack1313
10:53pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

magnaderalpha, don't get me wrong, i'm w/ you that FvJ is an abomination! no doubt about it. i just think (without the FvJ writers, if possible! LOL) that PD could probably do a great, scary Elm St. movie. i don't want ANY camp or cheesy one liners in this Elm ST. and parts 2-FvJ had awful camp attempts and cringe worthy (NOT in a GOOD way) one liners. i definitely don't think Craven should/could do this remake/reboot though. he hasn't made a scary film in forever (IMO).

Jcarver1986
10:58pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

a nightmare on elm street 1 3 and wes cravens new nightmare are the best period...billy bob as freddy, dear god thats just sick...

thebludshed
10:58pm, August 11, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I heard it was gonna be paul reubens

creepmasterx9000
1:08am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Billy Bob would hit that fucker outta the park! But I can't imagine him leaving 'serious work' behind to wallow in our beloved genre. And Robert Englund? He was lucky to stumble into that role in the first place. It was fun, but good riddance to him, I say.

Misanthropeinaction
1:18am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

But honestly who cares who plays Krueger... It's a remake, it's already tarnished everything we cherish about the franchise, let them cast Freddie Prinze Jr. it's not like it would be any less insulting than this poorly justified 'repackaging.'

GI.Dan
1:29am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

the dude from 'southern culture on the skids' always looked like Robert englund to me!hahaha Check him out! Far left http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction= viewImage&friendID=31734130&albumID=399539&imag eID=338550#

billbeast
1:56am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

What about Robert Englund, he cant not do the new one, but since its a remake, i guess it would be acceptbal

deanbarry
3:38am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Robert Englund would still be ok. He would be the right age for a sick and twisted Fred Kruger. He still has the moves for any action scenes too. Freddy vs Jason wasn't that long ago. I doubt he has become a decrepid wreck since then. Billy Bob??? No, I just can't picture Freddy with that distinct southern drawl, lol. Robert, of Ben Foster are my choices. Or go completely unknown.

JAYSAW
4:53am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Yeah, this is a funny rumour. But, even being a hardcore NOES fan that i am, i can laugh at it. Jcarver1986 is dead on. 1,3, and new nightmare are the best. New nightmare creeped me out more that the other two after watching them recently. If you REALLY want to throw funny rumours about, then hows about BILL MOSELEY as freddy? THAT would be funny as hell! But it all depends where they want to start. I would actually take the bit in 'freddy's dead' about he having a family by day and being killer by night. I've just seen a pic of robert knepper- and its too obvious. If they are gonna have a freddy, make him look like he wouldn't hurt a fly? a cross between dexter and mr rogers type of thing.

CJ_01976
6:18am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I don't want Bad Santa playing Freddy Krueger.

appleOFdiscord
7:31am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

lol, so Robert Englund is too old for Freddy yet Billy Bob is just right? Such BS!

Sethcanes
8:28am, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

What the hell, let's just have a CGI Freddy and let some unknown actor do his voice, rather that than Monster's Ball dude.

The Bad Man
12:06pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

ROBERT KNEPPER FOR FREDDY. Sean of the Dead is a bit faster than me. If you don't know who Robert Knepper is than go watch an episode of Prison Break. He would be perfect for the role of Freddy. I really can't see Billy Bob playing that part, but I am all for it, if it is done right.

Irish Mic
1:46pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I dont think a remake of this is such a bad idea. It needs it actually I think you stick to a very dark premise research real serial killers and do it right. Billy Bob is a great dramatic actor but he's the same age as robert you need someone younger and who is a handsome man someone you can trust but can also play disturbed as well. Like a real serial killer. I say my top two for the role of Freddy are as follows. 1: Vincent Cassel 2: Ralph Finnes

Inga
2:50pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Everyone knows I am against this as a re-make. But hell if you are gonna use Thorton...just use Englund they are about the same age are they not?

Jonny Horror
2:53pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I don't think Billy Bob is that bad of an idea. The guy can act (Sling Blade, A Simple Plan were awesome). I think he would make a creepy Freddy. What we need to get over is Robert Englund WILL NOT be Freddy. That is a certain fact. Just like there was a new Michael, a new Leatherface, and Jason. When remaking a movie, you can't have 50, 60 year olds playing the part. They do the same thing when James Bond gets too old, they bring in a younger guy."Please", don't tell me "what about Indiana Jones"?

jarofsap
4:16pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

aHA aHA aaaaaaHAHHAHA! What really? Naw, that'd be dumb. Funny rumor.

halloweenfan
4:43pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

They really need someone who can be creepy. Like Steve Bucemi in Con Air. His character was just wierd. You need somebody like that who can just be a wierdo.

Gore_Freak08
6:03pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I reckon he sucks.

jhowington32
7:16pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

y do ppl care so much about rob england? other than the 1st 3 elm streets everything that guy has done is a pile of shit! The point of a remake is change i personaly want 2 c someone elses take on krueger! ppl didnt think ledger would b a good joker...look how creepy his performance was! billy bob would b goog.. i also like robert knepper prison break guy... and who fuckin cares about how old robert england & billy bob r?? freddy is all burnt 2 shit so u can't tell how fucking old he is! i hate ppl who talk shit about remakes! The old 1 will still be in your fucking collection it isn't going anywhere it'll always be a nightmare on elm street how does a remake tarnish the original? sum people just like having something to bitch about

ThomasGuts
7:40pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I think he is inventing rumors beacouse he wants to give us a shock when he says that he finnaly is getting the roll of Freddy Kruger

magnaderalpha
10:07pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

djblack1313, seemingly Platinum Dunes is having a hard time securing the rights from Warner Bros. As of right now, it DOES seem like Warner Bros plans on making the remake by themselves. They already tossed around the dude who wrote Cape Fear and Arachnophobia as the writer. If that dude IS the writer, I have more faith in the remake being more suspenseful and less campy. Cause, let's face is, NOES, the first one, wasn't really your average campy slasher with pointless nudity and sex. If anything, sex happened off screen and the nudity was weak. NOES was so UNLIKE other slashers because it focused more on the characters and plot. Nancy was slowly having a nervous breakdown and she couldn't tell what the fuck was real and what the fuck was not. Craven did that brillaintly. People still debate on which scenes were real and which weren't. You need a REAL writer to get the same effect as the original, and nothing less would do. No turning NOES into another mindless splatter horror film. If someone can capture the suspense and psychological thrills the original did, as well as add more, THAT is how the remake should be. As for Freddy, I'd prefer Crispin Glover for the role. He's perfect age, and the dude can play freaky characters, as well as a great actor.

HorrorFan101
11:51pm, August 12, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I think il kind of pissed if he plays him i just cnt see anybody else playin him but robert englund

Demented D
12:39am, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

(Checks calender) It's not April 1st.

HorrorFan1978
12:44am, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Freddy Krueger will now have SLINGBLADES, lol.

CJ_01976
4:05am, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

IMDB reported that Bad Santa will play Freddy. All I can say is: BLECH!

horrorchick81
7:53am, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

i thought that PD didnt even get the rights or anything to this yet?? im sorry i dont care for billy bob thortan. plus aint he like in his fifties?!?! NOONE can replace robert englund. noone i say screw the remake and just make a sequel. bring back heather langenkamp or and her sone dylan as a adult. now that would be cool have have nightmares.

BloodFlow
12:47pm, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

ALL OF YOU STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Billy Bob as Freddy could be interesting. He's a great actor, plus he looks like a child molester...look at him! I like this rumor...I may change my mind later...but I like it.

sjcrows
3:38pm, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

bd do us a favour and get confirmation on this cos yahoo are actually reporting it on front page http://uk.news.yahoo.com/wenn/20080813/ten-thornton -to-star-in-nightmare-on-elm-c60bd6d.html sorry but billy bob thornton as freddy is the dumbest ideas ever i mean ffs. when and i mean when this gets started up get a an unknown to play freddy if englund wont come back not some teenage heartthrob from some shitty tv show or some famous actor an unknown will do but bill bob ffs that is taking the piss

thephantomk
3:45pm, August 13, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

100% CGI Harvey Dent Two Face?Grendel styled Horribly Damaged Freddy Krueger with Englund's doing the voice for it in a comfy recording booth. Enough of the age and done it before excuses for why Robert can't play the role. It's fucking lame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't want a remake. But theres no way to stop it. If This new Friday the 13th does well- the Dunes will get the rights to remake Nightmare. They are depending on it and even said as much at Comic Con. Nightmare fans should know this before supporting the F13 remake. Ca't you giuys hold out for Nightmare sakes till HBO to see this Friday flick. Canlt you stad up for once in your life to say this is bullshit and I'm not going to support it!

Evilgrl6
10:02am, August 14, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I think I am going To be Sick! Billy Bob can be Santa all he wants but he better stay the Hell away from my Freddy!

cuttingteeth
10:53am, August 14, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

I'll fight for Knepper over Thorton anyday, but would still rather have Englund. Perhaps I can even try out. Hell, I'm the right size, and I know I can do the voice, as I do voice work and impersonations a lot...haha!

bolen05
2:32am, October 30, 2008
PROFILE - MESSAGE - REPORT

Thorton would not make a good freddy lets see englund.


You have to be logged in to comment!
If you don't have an account
register now for free! Your account allows you to post comments and reviews, upload videos and images, access or our forums, write personal blogs, and maintain your profile.


USERNAME:
PASSWORD:

A Nightmare on Elm Street (remake)

STARRING:
DIRECTOR:
WRITER: Wesley Strick


Related Headlines

Rumor Control: Strick Not Directing 'Elm Street' Remake
October 8, 2008
Currently penning remake...

RUMOR CONTROL: Just How Did Thornton Become Krueger?
August 15, 2008
Fan speculation? Really?

RUMOR #634: Billy Bob Thornton to Play Freddy Krueger?
August 11, 2008
Story probably a load of crap...

EXCLUSIVE SDCC 08: Robert Englund Talks 'Elm Street' Development History
August 1, 2008
The actor discusses Freddy's future slashing possibilities...

SDCC '08: Robert Englund Cameo in 'Elm Street' Remake?
July 28, 2008
Platinum Dunes would love to have him...


Get More "A Nightmare on Elm Street (remake)" News



Recent Headlines

Surprise! Pretty Slick New 'Friday the 13th' Poster
December 4, 2008
A beautiful look at the new Jason Voorhees....

Scout Taylor-Compton Slams 'Halloween 2' Rumors
December 4, 2008
But we're hearing otherwise...

Twilight Star Jackson Rathbone Talks 'Dread', New Puppet Video!
December 4, 2008
SpookyDan recreates Twilight as a puppet video....

First Six Stills From 'Feast III: The Happy Finish'
December 4, 2008
More bloody mayhem coming in 2009...

New 'Prey' Trailer Adds to the Controversy
December 4, 2008
Just who directed the film?

Universal to Chew Bubblegum and Kick Ass in 'They Live' Remake
December 4, 2008
Strike producing John Carpenter remake...

An Explosion of Rage in 'Piecemeal'
December 4, 2008
From the producer of Martyrs...

Hilary Swank to Star in Hammer Films' 'The Resident'
December 4, 2008
No shooting date set...

TV: Sam Raimi's '13 - Fear Is Real' Gets CW Debut Date
December 3, 2008
Winner to receive a whopping $66,666...

Final Specs and Date For 'The Alphabet Killer'
December 3, 2008
From the director of Wrong Turn...


Get More Horror News
HORROR NEWS
Main
DVD
Indie
Video Games
Comic Books
MOVIES
Reviews
Coming Soon
Trailers
Movie Pit
FEATURES
Interviews
Articles
Podcasts
Dead Pixels
Graphic Content
COMMUNITY
My Profile
The Infected
Forums
Blogs
Galleries
ABOUT US
BD Staff
Contact Us
News Feeds
Advertise

BLOODYDISGUSTING.COM/BLOODY-DISGUSTING.COM, GOHORRORMOVIES.COM © 2001-2008 BLOODY-DISGUSTING LLC - Privacy Policy - Terms Of Service