Jackie Earle Haley goes from Rorschach to Freddy Krueger in new Nightmare

That’s right, according to THR’s Risky Business Blog, Jackie Earle Haley is taking over for Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in New Line Cinema’s remake of Wes Craven’s classic A Nightmare on Elm Street.

The original film was released in 1984, and featured Krueger is a serial child killer that was murdered by angry parents, who returned to terrorize the teen children of those who killed him, in their dreams. His burned face, razor-clad glove and red and green sweater became icons of horror.

Samuel Bayer, who’s photographed and directed hundreds of music videos and TV commercials, is directing the new film, which was written by Wesley Strick. According to the report, shooting begins next month in Chicago.

Haley, who played Rorschach in the Watchmen, will next appear in Martin Scorsese’s thriller Shutter Island.