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Robert Englund starred in one of the most revered science fiction series of all time; He directed films; voice video game characters; And he has acted in many movies and shows. But he knows his legacy as Freddy Krueger playing the horror icon in eight “Nightmare on Elm Street” movies and TV series. The upcoming documentary — “Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares: The Robert Englud Story,” out June 6 — delves into Englund’s unique journey to the silver screen, which was self-inflicted.

“I know who the figures are,” he says. “I am not an icon. Maybe it’s Freddy Krueger, but I’m not. I’m a character actor, a very lucky utility actor.

Perhaps the most fascinating chapter in Englued’s history occurred earlier, when he was frequently associated with ’70s blockbusters. From reading for Han Solo in “Star Wars” and urging roommate Mark Hamill to investigate Luke Skywalker, collecting dead leaves to turn Pasadena, California into a Midwest street for “Halloween,” Englund got his big break as Willy. V” Alien franchise that aired episodes from 1983-1985.

In a break from filming “V,” Englund appeared in Wes Craven’s horror film “A Nightmare on Elm Street” as a burned-out child killer in Springwood, Ohio. A low-budget hit, sequel after sequel was greenlit, and Englund is excited to see the horror genre gain more respect as he continues his role.

“I felt like there was a cultural shift in what people were aware of,” he said. “Horror is cinematic punk rock in its own right. In our cultural world, pulp is recognized as a major ingredient. There is room for pulp and melodrama, and the door is wide open for horror.”

Englund last portrayed the character in 2003’s Freddy Vs. Jason” in the hit movie. Less than a decade later, Freddie reappeared in the 2010s remake of 1984’s “Elm Street” opposite Jackie Earle Haley. Despite the financial problems, fans denounced it as a series low, and another season was never made. Despite his horror community allegiance to England, he loved Halley’s Freddie, and thinks there was one key change from the beginning that sent things off track.

“Jackie’s a great, great actor, so I don’t think so,” he said. “I thought Freddy was described as a baby killer. So when Freddy rapes a child [in the remake]FREDDIE It’s not, I don’t think so. There is no room for Freddie’s personality to be exploited by taking him to this dark and gloomy place.

One can’t help but wonder if he was thinking about the future of the franchise while he was talking to Englund. Although he didn’t write any of the films, he has ideas for how to bring “Elm Street” into modern times.

“You have to connect with technology and culture,” he said. For example, if one of the girls is an influencer, she would be happy if Freddie somehow revealed himself by stalking her, perhaps exploiting everyone who follows her.

Would you be willing to put it back on Fedora for the actual script? “I’m too old and fat to play Freddy now,” Englud says. “I can’t do more than one fight show anymore, I have a bad neck and a bad back and arthritis in my right wrist. So I have to hang up, but I love that it’s coming.”

Does England choose a modern Freddy? A fan named Kevin Bacon as a replacement impressed him.

“I know the genre respects him, and I know he’s a very good physical actor,” he said. “With the silence and the way Kevin moves – I think it’s going to be fun.”


Robert Englund’s favorite Freddy Krueger quotes

The villain is known for his one-liners and dialogues.

*”Welcome to prime time, female dog!” – Freddy smashing Jennifer’s head into the television in 1987’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Fighters.”

* “Princess, I have to warn you… the first time it’s a little disturbing…” – Freddy with Lori in 2003’s “Freddy vs Jason” when it gets “nasty and heavy and dark.”

*”I’m your boyfriend now” – Freddy’s tongue as he licks Nancy on the phone in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” in 1984.

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