Robert Englund Remembers How he Made Nightmare on Elm Street With Freddy’s Claw on Set

In the iconic horror film ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, the terrifying presence of Freddy Krueger is brought to life by Robert Englund. His portrayal of the undead killer left a lasting impression on co-star Heather Langenkamp, who played the role of Nancy Thompson. 

The film’s production aimed to create a fearsome look for Krueger, and Langenkamp’s initial encounter with Englund in full makeup was nothing short of chilling. As she descended into the eerie setting, she was confronted with Krueger’s menacing appearance. 

Image Courtesy: Yahoo News

“It was really striking, and I knew at that moment he was terrifying. I never had to act that part because he was always terrifying to me.” This first impression solidified the horror that would unfold throughout the film.

Englund also has a vivid memory of a particular moment on set that left Langenkamp startled. While filming a scene, director Wes Craven instructed Englund to position his claw glove so it would be visible in the shot. 

In a playful attempt to enhance the scene, Englund scratched the claw against a pipe, creating a sound that sent Langenkamp jumping. “I mean, it really worked,” he recalls with a laugh. Langenkamp chimed in, adding, “Plus, it made that sound.”

“Like nails on a chalkboard,” Englund clarifies, noting how Langenkamp’s reaction provided him with valuable insight into his character. “She moved a little extra, and I thought, ‘This is something we can work with as well.'” The collaboration between Englund and Langenkamp not only crafted a memorable horror film but also highlighted the dynamic relationship between a villain and their prey on screen.

-Sushmita Sarkar

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