Robert Englund is undoubtedly a beloved legend in the horror universe. For years, he’s terrified audiences in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise without ever really getting the credit that he deserves for turning Freddy Krueger into such an icon. Lately, however, the public has finally come around to honoring the 72-year-old actor. Fans have been campaigning recently to get him his own documentary, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And, as he gets up there in age, England is already envisioning who’ll take over his razor hands when the time comes.
“He’s not a kid anymore either but the rumor I’ve heard that I like is Kevin Bacon. Kevin loves horror. He’s a real actor. He’s a character actor. Kevin was great in Tremors. Kevin was great in Stir of Echoes. And I’ve heard this rumor. We need someone like that to take it on. And re-do it, exploiting all of the new technology.”
It may sound a little crazy at first, but the idea actually makes a great deal of sense. Bacon has shown himself over the course of his career to be quite versatile. He’s also had no problem playing evil villains before, as he did in both Hollow Man and Super.
The talented performer is also no stranger to the horror industry, as Englund alluded to. Aside from the flicks he mentioned, Bacon also starred in the original Friday the 13th back in the day. In fact, his shocking, gory death is one of the most memorable kills from the first installment.
The endorsement from the renowned Freddy Krueger actor is definitely something executives have to consider when planning out who eventually takes on the role. The only problem, however, is that Bacon is no spring chicken. At 61-years-old, the studio would likely rather go with a younger performer who can carry the series for years to come.
The next Nightmare on Elm Street movie is currently on ice, but fans are holding out hope that either a reboot or continuation of the franchise happens before Englund gets too old to portray the deranged dream invader. In the meantime, sound off in the comments section below about what you think of Kevin Bacon potentially playing Freddy, as well as any other performer who you feel could do a better job.