How do you follow a classic like A Nightmare on Elm Street? That was the task director Jack Sholder and star Mark Patton faced with A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge. Released less than a year later, the sequel dared to do something darker and very different, with wildly mixed results.

Brandon Stanwyck of Fearsome Queer helps us break down the controversy behind A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge. We’ll reckon with the film’s complicated legacy, acknowledge its ambitious themes and bold creative choices, and attempt to put it into a better context for today’s fans.

The movie’s exploration of identity and fear strikes a different chord than its predecessor, making it a fascinating entry to revisit. So sharpen your claws and prepare to dive into A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge as we unravel the mystery behind Freddy’s second appearance.

Chucky made some friends. Ash got groovy with Deadites. Now it’s time for Freddy Krueger to slash his way into the spotlight, as we kick off Franchise Detours’ first horror mega-series since 2021 with an in-depth chat about writer/director Wes Craven’s 1984 classic A Nightmare on Elm Street.

In keeping with tradition, screenwriter/actor Bri Azmoudeh — who previously joined us for Child’s Play and The Evil Dead — returns to welcome another horror franchise to the show. We’ll explore the legacy of Freddy Krueger, why he endures, and how Craven’s vision still holds up.

As A Nightmare on Elm Street celebrates its 40th anniversary, grab your crucifix, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and stay awake with us as we dissect how this groundbreaking film left an indelible mark on the horror genre and how it continues to influence filmmakers four decades later.