Time to break out the flashlights and prep the security cameras. Millions of fans of the infamous and iconic Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise can rejoice, as the debut teaser trailer and first official poster for Blumhouse Productions‘ live-action adaptation of the game has now arrived, giving us a firsthand look at what to expect from one of the most highly anticipated adaptations in recent years.
Few horror videogame franchises have caused as big of a ripple as Scott Cawthon’s indie sensation Five Nights at Freddy’s, which first premiered on Steam’s website back in 2014 and all but renewed the nightmarish fright of animatronics residing inside garishly decorated and undeniably haunted pizzerias. Instead of a ripple though, FNAF caused more of a monsoon across the gaming industry, with multiple prominent Youtubers like Markiplier bringing the indie title to the front page with their firsthand, scream-filled playthroughs. The series has since cemented itself in pop culture with an avalanche of merchandise and countless spin-off games being produced. This meant that a live-action film adaptation of the game was all but destined to happen, and after years of delays Blumhouse Productions has done the honors.
Emma Tammi took the reins as director on the project after both Gil Kenan and Chris Columbus departed for different reasons. She also co-wrote the script alongside FNAF creator Scott Cawthon and Seth Cuddeback, and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop took charge of creating the actual animatronics. Filming began in New Orleans in February under the name ‘Bad Cupcake’ and officially wrapped earlier this month. Starring in the film are Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games) as security guard Mike Schmidt, Matthew Lillard as villain William Afton, Mary Stuart Masterson as another undisclosed villain, and Piper Rubio as Schmidt’s daughter Abby. Elizabeth Lail also was cast as Vanessa, yet another villain who appeared in the Five Nights at Freddys: Security Breach game.
The teaser, which comes in at just under a minute, shows a sneak peek of the infamous pizzeria in an all-too-unsettling scratchy VHS format, with crowds of kids running around playing games and having plenty of fun. However, when the lights go dark, all of that changes completely. We see the newly hired security guard Mike Schimdt (Hutcherson) inspecting the premesis during his fateful night shift, and he clearly feels that something isn’t right. The next moment we see him trapped in some kind of chair with spinning blades coming at him from what looks like an animatronic. They all arise, eyes glowing red, ready to wreak havoc and hunt down their victims, adults and children alike. We also get a brief glimpse of what appears to be owner William Afton (Lillard) deep in thought. As far as the animatronics themselves, we clearly see Freddy, Bonnie, and Chica, but strangely not Foxy, though he’s in the official poster which can be viewed below. Perhaps in a full-length trailer more of them will make their appearance.
Is Five Nights At Freddy’s The Next Big Horror Franchise?
There have recently been many successful movies and TV shows made from video games. Blumhouse will be hoping that Five Nights at Freddy’s will be next in line to really hit the mark for both those who are familiar with the game and those new to the concept. One thing for certain is that the creepiness of the game is something that should be easy enough to replicate in movie form, but whether the plot can be expanded to feature film length is yet to be seen.
It has already been reported that Blumhouse are preparing two additional movies in the franchise, which would sit right in their wheelhouse of recently putting together packages of three movies like Halloween and their Exorcist trilogy, both of which were written and directed by David Gordon Green. Naturally, plans for future movies could quite easily be shelved if the movie fails to scare up a decent box office. However, arriving just in time to catch the Halloween market at the end of October will definitely work in the film’s favor.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
