Petition Asks New Line to Hire Doug Jones as Freddy Krueger

More than ever, horror fans are launching petitions on Change.org in attempts to influence big studio projects. In June, we told you about a petition to release a director’s cut of Kimberly Pierce’s Carrie (2013); we also reported on horror aficionado Aidan Cosky’s petition asking Universal to release the work print of 2011’s The Thing.

Now, Nightmare on Elm Street connoisseur Mark Petrie from Salt Lake City, UT, is jumping into this arena with a petition encouraging New Line Cinema to hire creature actor Doug Jones to take on the role of Freddy Krueger in the upcoming reboot. In his petition, Petrie explains:

In August 2015, news broke that New Line Cinema was in the works of rebooting the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise once again. Naturally, fans began discussing in online forums who should play the new iconic villain Freddy Krueger. Robert Englund has publicly stated that he has finished his role as the Springwood Slasher and it is time to pass the torch. No one can ever “replace” Robert because Robert IS Freddy. Freddy IS Robert. But this isn’t about replacing Robert. It’s about creating a new Freddy for a new generation.

I agree with the above statement almost 100%. It’s time to let Robert England rest on his laurels and let someone new take a stab at the role (pun intended). And it’s not a contest; no one can replace Englund’s contributions or diminish his legacy. And while I agree that Englund was exceptional as Freddy, I disagree that he essentially is the Springwood Slasher. Clearly Englund’s mannerisms and personality became part of the Krueger iconography, but he didn’t write the part, he doesn’t direct himself, nor does he create his own special effects. Englund made a perfect Freddy for his time and place, but Freddy is more than just one man. Quit giving the actor all the credit! I think Wes Craven might have had something to do with it as well… but I digress.

Petrie continues:

After much deliberation, many fans feel that they have found the man who would best fill the large boots left behind by Robert Englund. That man is DOUG JONES. Doug is widely known throughout Hollywood as one of the premier character actors. He has appeared in various productions while donning layers of makeup and costumes. Doug NAILS IT every single time. But “Dougie” isn’t just a fantastic character actor. He is an amazing actor in general. Doug has played striking characters in Pan’s Labyrinth (the Faun & the Pale Man), Abe Sapien in the Hellboy films, the ever-so-creepy Gentleman in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Doug’s physical presence on screen is captivating and striking. As a contortionist, his ability to manipulate his body to maximize visual characteristics of his characters is second to none. Freddy Krueger is a nightmarish figure. Freddy’s on-screen presence should be captivating and terrifying. Without a doubt, a man with many talents like Doug can pull this off. If Doug’s small role as the Pale Man made Stephen King “squirm like crazy” in his seat, Doug can once again make Freddy truly haunting and memorable. We, as hardcore fans of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, petition to Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema to choose DOUG JONES as the next FREDDY KRUEGER. With Doug Jones behind the makeup, anything is possible.

You can read more and sign the petition: HERE.

Not only do I enthusiastically support the spirit of this petition, I also agree that Doug Jones would make for an amazing Freddy Krueger. In fact, when I put together my list of the Top 10 Actors Who Should Play Freddy Krueger in the Remake, Jones figured prominently.

Whether or not this petition has the power to effect decision-making at New Line remains to be seen—but I for one am hopeful!

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Are you in favor of Doug Jones taking over as Freddy Krueger? Who do you think would make an ideal Springwood Slasher? Sound off in the Comments section!

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