The 3 Actors Of Freddy Krueger: From Original Icon Robert Englund To His Shocking Pick For The Next Horror Star

Few characters in horror history are as instantly recognizable as Freddy Krueger, the dream-stalking boogeyman from the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. His signature burned face, red-and-green-striped sweater, and razor-clawed glove have cemented his status as a legendary horror icon. While one actor’s name is synonymous with the role, the truth is that multiple performers have donned the fedora and makeup to bring the Springwood Slasher to terrifying life.

As of December 2025, the conversation surrounding the future of the franchise is more active than ever, especially with the original star, Robert Englund, confirming his retirement from the physical demands of the role. This article dives deep into the complete list of actors who played Freddy Krueger, unpacks the latest news surrounding the original star's career, and reveals the surprising A-list actor Englund himself has publicly backed to be the next master of nightmares.

Robert Englund: The Definitive Freddy Krueger (Biography and Latest Updates)

The entity known as Freddy Krueger is inextricably linked to the American actor Robert Englund, whose charisma, dark wit, and theatrical flair defined the character for an entire generation of horror fans.

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Robert Englund: A Complete Profile

• Full Name: Robert Barton Englund
• Born: June 6, 1947
• Birthplace: Glendale, California, U.S.
• Career Start: Englund began his career in the early 1970s, making his film debut in *Buster and Billie* (1974).
• Iconic Role: Freddy Krueger in the *A Nightmare on Elm Street* film series (1984–2003) and the television series *Freddy's Nightmares* (1988–1990).
• Other Notable Roles: Willie in *V* (1983-1985), The Phantom in *The Phantom of the Opera* (1989), and Victor Creel in *Stranger Things* (2022).
• Awards & Recognition: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Latest on the Original Horror Icon

Despite confirming he can no longer physically play the role due to the demanding makeup and stunt work, Robert Englund remains a prominent figure in the horror community. His recent activities prove the legacy of the man behind the glove is as strong as ever:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor (2025): In a major career milestone, Englund is scheduled to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Halloween (October 31) in 2025. This news, which broke in mid-2024, highlights the enduring cultural impact of his work.
• Nightmares in the Makeup Chair: Englund is starring in a documentary titled *Nightmares in the Makeup Chair*, directed by Mike Kerz. The film documents the transformation process as the actor gets into the full Freddy Krueger makeup one last time, offering a nostalgic and intimate look at the iconic villain's creation.
• A Return to the Role (Briefly): While he has retired from major film roles as Freddy, Englund reprised the character for a 2018 episode of the TV series *The Goldbergs*, satisfying fans who longed for one last appearance.

The Complete List of Actors Who Have Played Freddy Krueger

While Robert Englund appeared in eight films and the entire television series, he is not the only actor to have portrayed the dream demon. For the sake of topical authority and a complete list, we must recognize the other performers who have worn the famous glove.

1. Robert Englund (The Master of Nightmares)

Englund is the undisputed champion, having played Freddy in:

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• *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (1984)
• *A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge* (1985)
• *A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors* (1987)
• *A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master* (1988)
• *A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child* (1989)
• *Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare* (1991)
• *Wes Craven's New Nightmare* (1994)
• *Freddy vs. Jason* (2003)
• *Freddy's Nightmares* (TV Series, 1988-1990)

2. Jackie Earle Haley (The Darker Reboot)

In 2010, New Line Cinema rebooted the franchise with a darker, more serious tone, casting Oscar-nominated actor Jackie Earle Haley in the role of Freddy Krueger.

• Film: *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (2010)
• The Portrayal: Haley's Freddy was a significant departure from Englund's darkly comedic version. His portrayal emphasized the character's sinister, predatory nature, focusing on the backstory of Freddy as a child abuser rather than a wise-cracking dream demon.
• Behind-the-Scenes Challenge: Haley faced significant physical challenges during filming, famously scratching his corneas due to the contact lenses he was required to wear, which temporarily delayed production.

3. The Stunt Performers and Doubles

While Englund and Haley are the only two credited actors for the main speaking roles, the physical demands of the franchise necessitated several stunt doubles and stand-ins. These performers are essential to the character's full history and contribute to the idea that Krueger is a force of nature that can manifest in different forms.

• Anthony Cecere: Credited as a stunt double for Freddy Krueger in the original 1984 film, most notably during the famous fire stunt where Freddy is engulfed in flames.
• Stunt Doubles: Several other uncredited stunt doubles and stand-ins have appeared across the franchise to perform specific, dangerous actions, bringing the total count of performers who have played the character to over 10.

The Future of the Glove: Who Robert Englund Wants to be the Next Freddy Krueger

With the inevitable reboot of the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise looming, the biggest question among horror fans is: Who will be the next actor to take on the role? For years, speculation has run rampant, with fan-favorite suggestions ranging from Paul Dano to Michael Eklund.

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However, the most authoritative opinion comes from the original himself. Robert Englund has publicly thrown his support behind a surprising A-list actor, stating that this performer has the necessary gravitas and respect for the horror genre to succeed in the role.

The Shocking Choice: Kevin Bacon

Robert Englund has repeatedly named Kevin Bacon as his preferred choice to take over the mantle of Freddy Krueger.

• Englund’s Rationale: Englund believes Bacon, a veteran actor known for his versatility and willingness to embrace dark roles (such as in *The Following*), has the acting chops and the industry respect required to redefine the iconic villain.
• Bacon’s Horror Pedigree: Kevin Bacon has a strong history in the horror genre, including his memorable early role in the original *Friday the 13th* (1980). This connection to classic slasher films makes him a compelling, if unexpected, choice for the next Freddy.

The suggestion of Kevin Bacon has sparked renewed interest in the franchise, proving that the legacy of Wes Craven's creation continues to evolve. Whether the next iteration of the dream demon is a faithful return to Englund's darkly comedic style or a continuation of Haley's more menacing approach, the actor who next wears the glove will face one of the most challenging and iconic roles in cinema history.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

To further enhance topical authority and search engine optimization, the following entities and LSI keywords are highly relevant to the "actor of freddy krueger" topic:

• Franchise & Creator: *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, Wes Craven, New Line Cinema, *Freddy vs. Jason*.
• Character Elements: Dream Demon, Razor Glove, Red-and-Green Striped Sweater, Fedora, Springwood Slasher.
• Related Actors: Heather Langenkamp (Nancy Thompson), John Saxon, Johnny Depp (Early role).