Talk about an eyesore. When Universal released the first trailer and poster for the highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, fans were excited to see their favorite characters brought to life. However, they were not pleased with the depiction of the animatronic creatures having red eyes, which deviated from the game’s accuracy. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, drawing comparisons to the infamous “Ugly Sonic” redesign.
Universal found themselves in a similar situation as Paramount did with Sonic the Hedgehog. Paramount decided to delay the film and redesign Sonic to appease fans, which ultimately resulted in a successful movie. While FNaF fans voiced their concerns, the director Emma Tammi explains that the red eyes were not as prevalent throughout the entire film as fans assumed. Subsequent trailers showcased a more balanced portrayal, easing the concerns of the fanbase. There were also fans who defended the red eyes, citing examples from FNaF lore.
Tammi acknowledges that fan sentiment is crucial but believes that the choice to retain the red eyes was the right one. The film is set to release on Oct. 27, and early estimates suggest a strong opening weekend. Tammi recognizes that many young viewers will see the movie as their introduction to horror, and she is proud of how the film balances dark elements with jump scares and fun moments.
The FNaF franchise has a dedicated fanbase, and Tammi made sure to craft a movie that is comprehensible to both fans and parents. While she delved into the FNaF lore, not all elements were incorporated into the film. Additionally, she had the support of Scott Cawthon, the developer behind the franchise, who co-wrote and produced the film.
If the FNaF movie is successful, it opens the door for spin-offs, sequels, and fan edits. The film’s closing credits tease future stories, leaving fans excited for what’s to come. The Jim Henson Creature Shop created game-accurate looks for the animatronics, combining animatronic and performer elements. One Easter egg to look out for is that no one could fit inside the Foxy costume.
Five Nights at Freddy’s premieres on Oct. 27 in theaters and on Peacock. Get ready for a thrilling and unique movie experience that will captivate fans and newcomers alike.
