Now that “Friday the 13th” holds the record for biggest horror-movie opening weekend of all time , and Michael Bay’s firm grasp on Hollywood’s crown has become tighter than ever, that noise you hear is pens swish-swishing hurriedly across contracts for the next Platinum Dunes project: The remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
But who will play Freddy Krueger? With 61-year-old veteran actor Robert Englund out of the picture, here are a few of the high-profile actors who could slip into the role for a sleeker, 21st-Century take on the maniacal murderer:
Jackie Earle Haley – He’s got a bald head, a sarcastic/sadistic charm, and an Oscar nomination on his resume. Still not convinced that the “Watchmen” star has what it takes to play the “Elm Street” tormentor? Check out his performance in “Little Children,” where he plays a fractured, self-mutilating freak with a history of preying on innocent kids. It sure wouldn’t seem like much of a stretch to imagine a few of those neighborhood parents setting Jackie Earle on fire, only to be haunted for years to come.
Michael Rosenbaum – Most famous for playing Lex Luthor on “Smallville,” this veteran actor is approximately the same age as Englund was when he first slipped into Freddy’s famous sweater. He’s a good actor, an intense guy, and projects the most important quality the next Krueger will need: Intelligence.
Johnny Depp – After Freddy killed him in the original “Nightmare,” wouldn’t there be a certain beauty to the A-list star coming full-circle? Sure, the chances of Depp taking on the role (or even having the time to do so) seem slim – but if anybody is crazy enough to want to do it, it might just be Johnny Depp.
Jeremy Renner – Also approximately the same age as Englund was when he kicked off his signature franchise, this “Assassination of Jesse James” star has something undeniably unsettling about him. His eerily-convincing portrayal of Jeffrey Dahmer, coupled with a creepy turn in “North Country,” shows that he’s not only ready for a higher-profile role, but that a set of razor-sharp fingers could fit him like a glove.
Lindsay Lohan – A recent (bogus) report claimed that LiLo was set to make her umpteenth attempt at a Hollywood comeback by playing an ill-fated teen in “Nightmare.” But we say if you’re gonna go crazy, why only do it halfway? For a truly unique spin on the character, cast the former “Mean Girls” star as the meanest girl of all: Freda Krueger. Something tells us that creating a wild-eyed, vengeful, terrifying character is well within her reach.
With a casting agent soon to be hired, now is the time to speak up. Who do you want to play the new Freddy Krueger?
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