Paramount to Reboot “A Nightmare on Elm Street” Under New Genre Label

Paramount Pictures has secured the U.S. rights to Wes Craven’s original 1984 *A Nightmare on Elm Street* screenplay. The untitled feature will be developed by Paramount’s newly created genre label, Paramount Primal, and is described as “set in the world of A Nightmare on Elm Street, based on the original screenplay.” No writer, director or release date has been announced.

Nightmare on Elm Street Is Returning At Paramount Under New LabelVariety MagazineMEAWWA Nightmare On Elm Street remake in the works at ParamountNew 'Nightmare on Elm Street' Movie in Development at Paramount from 'Weapons' Producers — PHANTASMAG

New Line Cinema (later owned by Warner Bros.) held worldwide rights to the franchise from its 1984 debut through the 2010 remake. Under U.S. copyright law, authors may reclaim rights 35 years after publication; the Craven estate exercised this provision in 2019 with attorney-producer Marc Toberoff. The 2026 Paramount agreement licenses only domestic rights; New Line retains international distribution.

Deadline Hollywood

The Craven estate—widow Iya Labunka and son Jonathan Craven—will produce alongside Marc Toberoff. Paramount Primal’s co-heads J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules (producers of *Barbarian* and *Friendship*) will serve as executive producers. Representation for the estate includes WME, Industry Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham LLP.

Deadline Hollywood

The series comprises nine films: six originals (1984-1994), the 1994 meta-reboot *New Nightmare*, the 2010 remake, and the 2003 crossover *Freddy vs. Jason*. Collectively the eight theatrical releases have grossed over $438 million worldwide (Box Office Mojo), with *Freddy vs. Jason* earning $116.6 million and the 2010 reboot $115.6 million. The property also spawned a TV anthology, comics, video games and extensive merchandise.

The Wrap

Labunka emphasized the project’s aim to introduce Craven’s vision to a new generation and noted Wes Craven’s likely approval of horror’s “long overdue place in the cultural canon.” Lifshitz and Margules expressed honor at being entrusted with the revival and pledged to deliver “a terrifying new nightmare” while “welcoming Freddy home.” Paramount confirmed the film is in priority development but withheld creative details.

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Industry observers note the absence of a confirmed director and the uncertainty surrounding Freddy Krueger’s casting. Robert Englund, who portrayed the killer in the original eight films, has publicly stated he is unlikely to return due to age and the demanding makeup process. The lack of concrete casting information has prompted fan speculation about whether the reboot will feature a new actor or potentially shift focus away from the iconic villain.

MEAWW

All sources agree the project is domestic-only at this stage, yet no timeline for an international rights agreement with New Line has been disclosed. Details on the screenplay’s adaptation—whether it will be a faithful remake or a reimagining—remain vague, and no production schedule or budget has been released.

MEAWW

• “We look forward to bringing the world of Wes Craven’s Nightmare on Elm Street to a new and completely engaged generation of fans.” — Iya Labunka, Widow of Wes Craven

A Nightmare On Elm Street: Freddy Krueger Will Return To Theaters In Reboot From Paramount

• “We know that Wes would have been thrilled to see how horror is taking its long overdue place in the cultural canon.” — Iya Labunka

New 'Nightmare on Elm Street' Movie in Development at Paramount from 'Weapons' Producers — PHANTASMAG

• “We can’t remember a time before we were fans of Wes Craven. The fact that Iya and Jonathan have entrusted us with this opportunity to help usher a new story into this world is an honor beyond words. We look forward to working alongside them to bring a terrifying new nightmare to audiences everywhere, and to welcome Freddy home.” — J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules

Hollywood Reporter

• “We look forward to working alongside them to bring a terrifying new nightmare to audiences everywhere — and to welcome Freddy home.” — J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules

The Wrap

The acquisition marks the first domestic revival of a franchise that helped launch New Line into a major studio and solidified the slasher genre’s cultural footprint. By pairing the original screenplay with Paramount Primal’s low-budget, high-concept model, the studio aims to re-energize classic horror for contemporary audiences while navigating legacy rights and fan expectations.

A Nightmare On Elm Street remake in the works at Paramount