Paramount Secures Rights for a New *A Nightmare on Elm Street* Film

Paramount Pictures announced that it has closed a deal for the U.S. rights to the original 1984 *A Nightmare on Elm Street* screenplay from the estate of the late Wes Craven. The agreement enables the studio to develop a new film based on the ideas, stories, and characters in Craven’s original script. Executive producers J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules—known for the horror hit *Barbarian*—are attached, while no director or cast members have been confirmed.

Paramount closes a deal for "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

The franchise, which launched with Craven’s 1984 debut and expanded through six original installments, a 1994 meta-sequel, a 2003 crossover, and a poorly received 2010 remake, has been stalled for several years by complex rights disputes. Those disputes, similar to those that delayed the *Friday the 13th* series, left the property without a clear path for new installments until the recent Paramount-Craven-estate agreement.

One of the biggest horror movie franchises is about to be rebooted

The Craven estate will be represented by widow Iya Labunka and son Jonathan Craven, who are slated to produce alongside Lifshitz and Margules. Over the years, directors such as Mike Flanagan and Lee Cronin have publicly expressed interest in reviving the series, but no filmmaker has been officially attached to the upcoming project.

One of the biggest horror movie franchises is about to be rebooted

• “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, Craven estate

Paramount closes a deal for "A Nightmare on Elm Street"One of the biggest horror movie franchises is about to be rebooted

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

Paramount closes a deal for "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

• “We can’t wait for all of us to sit together in the dark theatre—around the campfire of today—as the next chapter of the Nightmare story unfolds.” — Iya Labunka, Craven estate

Paramount closes a deal for "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

• “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.” — J.D. Lifshitz, executive producer

Paramount closes a deal for "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

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

Paramount closes a deal for "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

Details about the film’s tone, whether it will be a remake of the 1984 original, and casting choices remain undisclosed. Robert Englund, who originated Freddy Krueger, is unlikely to return, having been replaced in the 2010 remake and recently stating his willingness to pass the mantle to a new actor. The absence of a confirmed director leaves the creative direction of the revival open to speculation.

One of the biggest horror movie franchises is about to be rebooted