9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

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9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

Reflecting upon the intriguing tales of Jackie Earle Haley and Tracey Gold, I find myself utterly captivated by their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as a testament to the fact that even when one door seems to close, another often opens – sometimes leading us down a path we never imagined.

Since its debut in 1984, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” has consistently given rise to terrifying dreams and introduced one of the most memorable villains from the 20th century. Notably, the chilling film was inspired by a real-life story about a child dying during sleep, which brought Freddy Krueger, portrayed by Robert Englund, to life as an iconic figure in horror cinema.

1984’s film saw tremendous success and led to numerous sequels, a collaboration with Friday The 13th, and even a TV adaptation. The series and its leading character are deeply associated with Halloween, but it’s interesting to note that Englund wasn’t the actor Craven initially envisioned for the role. Here is a list of actors who came close to landing some of the iconic roles in the initial film.

9 Kane Hodder

Considered for Freddy Krueger

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

As a fervent enthusiast of the chilling world of horror movies, I can’t help but be captivated by the legendary figure that is Kane Hodder. To the devotees of Friday The 13th series, he is undeniably synonymous with the menacing presence of Jason Voorhees, a role he has masterfully portrayed since its inception in 1980.

Despite not getting the role of Freddy Krueger, Hodder has made a name for himself in other successful horror films. He played Victor Crowley in the “Hatchet” series and Leatherface in “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III.” Fans can only imagine the impact he might have had if cast as Krueger, given his chilling filmography.

A Tale of Two Freddy’s

In general consensus, the actor, stuntman, and writer seemed tailor-made for the part. However, director Wes Craven was seeking an actor capable of mirroring the intensity that he had mentally visualized for the character. Unfortunately, though Hodder possessed the physical attributes Craven had been hunting for, his horror acting skills were not quite what Craven needed for this specific role.

Although Hodder wasn’t initially selected for the part, he still had the opportunity to play Krueger when he donned Freddy’s iconic glove in “Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday“. The acting industry is full of “what-ifs”, but it’s challenging to envision anyone other than Englund embodying the role of Freddy.

8 David Warner

Considered for Freddy Krueger

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

David Warner was initially considered for the part in the “Nightmare” series, but the role eventually went to Englund. Sadly, Warner passed away in 2022, having had a distinguished career in both theater and television and film.

Although he didn’t play Freddy Krueger, he nonetheless made a significant impact on horror movie lore by acting as Jennings in The Omen. Additionally, he appeared in Titanic, Tron, and Star Trek. Furthermore, he is recognized for winning an Emmy for his portrayal of Promponius Falco in the ABC miniseries Masada.

A Missed Opportunity

Initially, Warner was all set for the role of Freddy Krueger, but scheduling issues prevented him from taking on the part. He had even gone as far as to undergo make-up tests, yet this wasn’t sufficient to secure the role. As a result, Kane Hodder was brought in, leading eventually to Englund getting cast as Krueger. Although Warner would have been an excellent fit for the role and his casting could have been intriguing, had he not stepped down at the last moment, the series might not have evolved into what it is known for today.

7 Courteney Cox

Considered for Nancy Thompson

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can share an interesting tidbit about the journey of Courteney Cox. You probably know her best from her iconic role as Monica in Friends, but before that, she auditioned for another part – Nancy Thompson in the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. The role ultimately went to Heather Langenkamp, who outshone over two hundred other hopeful actresses to secure the part. At that time, Cox was just beginning her career and though she didn’t land this role, 1984 still held its share of success for her. She got a chance to perform alongside music legend Bruce Springsteen in his music video for “Dancing In The Dark.

Scream Queen

Although Cox didn’t end up playing the final girl in “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” she eventually secured the part of reporter Gale Weathers in the “Scream” series. Notably, Cox has been a part of every “Scream” movie to date. However, her participation in “Scream 7” is yet to be confirmed. Though she didn’t get Nancy’s role initially, her career has remained robust. She has graced both television and film screens, and continues to entertain fans on TikTok.

6 Jennifer Grey

Considered for Nancy Thompson

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

Jennifer Grey is recognized as one of the iconic actors from the 1980s. However, what many fans may not realize is that she was also a strong contender for the role of Nancy Thompson in 1984, but ultimately missed out on it. Despite this setback, Grey later achieved significant fame by portraying Jeanie in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and Frances “Baby” Houseman in “Dirty Dancing.

If she’d played the role of Nancy, it might be possible that she could have delivered some of the most outstanding performances of the past ten years and potentially been cast in more remarkable movies as well.

Nearly Nancy

Grey didn’t manage to replicate the success she experienced in the ’80s throughout her career, but she remained active and persistent. She then starred in a TV show titled “It’s Like, You Know” where she portrayed herself. Furthermore, she became a popular contestant during season eleven of “Dancing With The Stars “, followed by writing a memoir named “Out Of The Corner“.

In a slightly different turn of events, Nancy’s character might have been just as indelibly associated with Grey instead of Langenkamp. This switch would have made for an exquisite conclusion to her outstanding series of ’80s movies.

5 Demi Moore

Considered for Nancy Thompson

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

Demi Moore, renowned for her roles in films such as “Ghost”, “G.I. Jane”, and “Indecent Proposal”, was among the many famous faces who tried out for the part of Nancy. In the ’90s, she was one of Hollywood’s most recognized actresses and has recently caused a stir with her performance in “The Substance”, which has broken records to become Mubi’s biggest box office success. Although she didn’t land this specific role, it hasn’t hindered her successful career trajectory.

More Moore

Demi Moore has demonstrated versatility across various genres, from comedies to dramas and even horror. She managed to shine in humorous sequences alongside Mike Myers in Austin Powers, as well as holding her ground with Academy Award winners in A Few Good Men. Her latest performance in The Substance further showcases her talent for horror films. With the positive reception of her recent work, a Demi Moore comeback could be imminent.

4 Charlie Sheen

Considered for Glen Lantz

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

Actor Charlie Sheen, known for his roles on “Two and a Half Men,” has had an illustrious career spanning five decades. However, he missed out on the opportunity to play Glen in “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” That part ultimately went to Johnny Depp, who was then just starting out in the industry. This role marked the beginning of Depp’s meteoric rise to fame and stardom.

Despite missing out on the role, Sheen was able to secure countless lead roles over the years including The Three Musketeers, Major League, and Wall Street. He has recently seen a resurgence after reuniting with Chuck Lorre on the TV series Bookie, which recently received a season two renewal.

Missing Sheen

The lore of the Elm Street franchise is difficult to separate from Depp’s portrayal. Sheen apparently missed out on the role due to an inability to agree on his salary. But Sheen admits that he didn’t properly understand the material and thus passed on it. Whatever the reason was, Sheen unfortunately got passed up for the Pirates of the Caribbean actor.

While some people might recognize him primarily for his catchphrases “winning” and “tiger blood,” he is more famously known as Charlie Harper from the TV show “Two and a Half Men.” Unfortunately, his stint on the show ended abruptly. Despite his reputation as a rebel, this role didn’t allow him to portray that image. His departure left a significant, potentially iconic moment in Hollywood history unexplored.

3 Mark Patton

Considered for Glen Lantz

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

As a supporter looking back, it wasn’t just Sheen who didn’t get the chance to play Glen; Mark Patton came incredibly close. Rumors say that the role was between Patton and Depp initially, but Depp ultimately secured the part, winning over Craven’s young daughter’s favor in the process.

Despite not getting the part over Depp initially, Patton eventually landed a role in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge,” as Jesse Walsh. He’s among several actors from the sequels who are eager to square off against Freddy once more in future projects.

A Break From Acting

After securing the main part in the sequel, Jesse Walsh temporarily paused his acting career to delve into interior design. Since learning about his HIV diagnosis, he has been vocal about the issue and his personal life. Following his departure from the entertainment field, he re-entered it in 2016 with the horror film “Family Possessions.” Since then, he has continued to appear in more horror movies, solidifying his place within the genre. Although he wasn’t Glen, fans of the series will forever associate Jesse Walsh with the franchise.

2 Jackie Earle Haley

Considered for (And Eventually Played) Freddy Krueger

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

Jackie Earle Haley was originally overlooked for the role of Freddy Krueger, but later got cast in the franchise. During his initial audition, he didn’t quite hit the mark for the part. However, it wasn’t until the 2010 remake that he had the opportunity to portray Krueger. Interestingly, Haley is one of a select few actors who have tackled the terrifying character that was previously synonymous with Robert Englund. Despite missing out on this role initially, Haley has gone on to deliver several notable film and television performances.

After Elm Street

In his youth, Haley experienced a brilliant career in acting, but didn’t manage to replicate that level of success as he matured. For the majority of the ’90s and early 2000s, Haley chose to step away from Hollywood, settling instead in San Antonio. Later on, he founded his own production company, JEH Productions, and also ventured into directing.

In the mid-2000s, he made a comeback to acting and has since secured numerous roles within the industry, even reclaiming the role of Freddy Krueger that he initially missed out on in the ’80s. His career exemplifies the saying “when one door closes, another opens.” Despite not being victorious in the 1980s, he demonstrated his talent in the remake and has continued to impress in subsequent roles.

1 Tracey Gold

Considered for Nancy Thompson

9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street9 Actors Who Were Almost in A Nightmare on Elm Street

Gold, similar to numerous other promising actresses of her time, missed out on securing the role of Nancy Thompson, which ultimately went to Heather Langenkamp in the ’80s. It’s no surprise that those who didn’t get the coveted part found prosperity in their respective careers.

Not long after missing out on the opportunity to play Langenkamp’s character, Gold eventually secured the part of Carol Seaver in the popular show, Growing Pains. Originally seen as another unsuccessful audition, Gold charmed audiences with her acting and ended up starring in one of the most successful series of the ’80s.

What Could Have Been

It’s extremely challenging for fans to forget about Heather Langenkamp, who played Nancy, as she left an indelible mark. Her impressive performance in landing the role was even more remarkable given that actresses like Gold, Cox, Moore, and others were considered but eventually passed over. It’s tough to argue against her casting, although any of them might have excelled in the role. However, there can only be one Nancy. Later on, Gold achieved fame across various television series, carving out her own path. She remains one of many intriguing ‘what-ifs’ in Hollywood casting history and will forever be a footnote in the legacy of Elm Street.

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2024-10-14 04:32