Michael Myers, Jason and Freddy: Along with Ghostface, these are probably the most infamous slasher icons. They had different starting conditions. “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th” hit the audience. You’d think A Nightmare on Elm Street would have easily found a studio after that. Wes Craven even had to worry about getting his movie to theaters.
The series of murders of both Michael Myers and Jason was simple in nature. While both characters had backstory, some of which featured supernatural motifs, these were never as present as with Freddy. “A nightmare on Elm Street“ had strong fantasy elements from the first part. That was due to Freddy’s forays into the dream worlds of the protagonists. It was precisely this unique selling point that made the studios skeptical.
“Nightmare” in Family Friendly!?
Bringing such a horror-fantasy hybrid to theaters was an innovation and a risk. A high-profile studio wanted to take on this and it would have given the franchise a completely different twist. Disney of all people agreed to take over the movie. Only on the condition that an anemic and family-friendly version of the film is marketed.
At first glance, the offer seems absurd. At second glance, Disney’s decision seems more understandable. The nightmare motif lends itself as a hook to a horror film aimed primarily at children. Especially when we think about the creative potential it holds and the absurd way it was played out, especially in later film adaptations. There are also far too few scary films for a younger audience.
We wouldn’t have recognized Freddy!
Finally declined West Craven the offer. He could not have realized his vision of the film at Disney. To begin with, he should have done without bloodthirsty scenes. That would have been a bitter loss, but still bearable. On the other hand, he would have had to completely change Freddy as a character. Not only the design including scar face and razor hand would have been too terrifying. Freddy’s uncanny obsession with kids wouldn’t have happened in this form either.
It would be unclear whether Freddy actually killed his victims or merely scared them. You see: you would hardly have recognized your favorite killer! It is also very doubtful that Robert Englund would have embodied this Freddy version. At least we can hardly imagine that. It is difficult to foresee what changes in the script, cast and staging would result from these decisions. This version would certainly be interesting, but in the end “Nightmare on Elm Streetto the indestructible horror classic Craven envisioned.