Thirty years ago, Robert Englund wreaked havoc on horror fans’ dreams when he first appeared as Freddy Krueger in ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. Since then, he became a cinematic icon thanks to his terrifying performance as the disfigured serial killer with a bladed glove that hunted his prey in their dreams. But after 2003’s ‘Freddy Vs. Jason’, the actor hung up his hat and striped sweater and passed the mantle on to Jackie Earle Haley for a reboot of the franchise. However, the veteran actor has chosen to don his iconic persona yet again for a very special cause.
As part of the Flashback Weekend Convention this past weekend, the veteran actor went through the grueling make-up and prosthetics process to become Freddy once again to save the Midway Drive-In Theater in Sterling, Illinois. Englund appeared in costume for the first time ever at a con to sign autographs, take pictures, and participate in a live talk show as the Springwood Slasher. Although the once in a lifetime experience had the hefty price tag of $365, proceeds went directly to the preserving and keeping of the vintage drive-in theater. But prior to his convention appearance Chicago’s Fox 32 News exclusively caught up with the horror legend as he prepared to suit up one more time for a cause near and dear to him:
Naturally, many attendees questioned the cost of the experience, but take solace in the fact that the $365 also included a weekend pass to the event, which was already $70. Then, FX legend Robert Kurtzman, who worked on ‘Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child’ and ‘Wes Craven’s New Nightmare’, was on hand to recreate Englund’s signature Freddy look, so it was the real deal. Finally, fans that purchased this package had a hand in keeping alive a cinematic institution, the drive-in theater. Unfortunately, these theaters are dying out, but considering how important they are to our history, it’s a good thing that people out there are still fighting to keep some around. Overall, it’s not the worst deal when you consider that that this opportunity to meet Freddy Krueger live and in the burnt flesh may never arise again.
What do you think about Robert Englund donning the Freddy Krueger make-up one last time to save the Midway Drive-In Theater? Would you have paid that much money for the opportunity to meet the horror icon in full costume? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
