It’s within an eerie setting that directorEmma Tammiorchestrates a chilling adaptation of the beloved video game seriesFive Nights at Freddy’s, poised to capture both the hearts and fears of audiences this fall. In a recent conversation withVariety, Tammi revealed that a delicate balance was crucial in achieving a PG-13 rating — a mandate to create a gripping horror film without crossing into the psychologically damaging. Here, Tammi artfully harnesses the essence of the games' non-gory jump scares, ensuring a thrill that doesn’t alienate the younger segment of her audience, one that might very well be indulging in their inaugural forays into the genre during sleepovers. Tammi credits Blumhouse Productions, a touchstone in the genre, with nurturing the film’s unique blend of horror and genre-bending elements. The production house stood by the creative vision, offering credence and a filmmaker-focused environment that allowed “FNAF” to manifest into the distinct experience it aspired to be.
“What’s so interesting about the games is that the jump scares are not gory. Taking a tonal cue from that is already a pretty adaptable thing for a PG-13 rating. We didn’t need to deviate that much from what the first game was doing in terms of jump scares. So, I actually feel like PG-13 is a very appropriate rating for the film adaptation. And, certainly, it was really important for us to include the younger audiences in this movie as well.”
Tammi, alongside co-writers Seth Cuddeback and franchise mastermind Scott Cawthon, introduces us to Mike, a night security guard played by Josh Hutcherson. Mike’s vigil at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza unravels into a haunting ordeal where the establishment’s once-cheerful animatronics reveal their nightmarish true nature. These mechanical monstrosities, possessed by the souls of departed children, turn a standard graveyard shift into a fight for survival, particularly as Mike uncovers their link to his own family’s tragedy.
Cameos by notable gaming influencers are the cherries on top, nodding to those who have championed the game’s rise to fame. Despite Mark Fischbach, better known as Markiplier,being unable to participatedue to conflicting schedules, Tammi is hopeful about involving him in potential sequels. And speaking of sequels, the end of “FNAF” weaves threads for further exploration. The character of Vanessa, portrayed by Elizabeth Lail, offers a complex relationship with Mike, infusing the narrative with themes of concealed trauma and the desperation for understanding and connection amidst a sea of chaos.
“Absolutely, Mark is a part of this franchise through and through. We reached out and we all hoped to make it work. Unfortunately we were filming at the same time Markiplier was filming his film, and the scheduling didn’t work out for this one. But we would love to include him moving forward.”
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Tammi teases future installmentswith Matthew Lillard’s involvementconfirmed for a three-picture arc. Where these sequels will take us is kept under wraps, but the intention to align each new movie with its corresponding video game installment is clear.
“We’ll see how things go this weekend. We’re definitely excited to keep making more movies in this world, should we be lucky enough to do that. This one was tied into the first game, and we would probably focus on tying the second one into the second game, and so on and so forth. But anything could happen. We’ll have to see.”
Emma Tammi dives into the complexities of adapting a narrative so rich and expansive that it spans 13 video games and numerous novels. The challenge? To resonate with diehard enthusiasts while extending a welcoming hand to newcomers. Her approach leaned heavily on Cawthon’s intimate knowledge of the “FNAF” community. This collaboration ensured that the movie would be peppered with fan-favorite easter eggs while still crafting an experience accessible to all.
An intricate aspect ofFive Nights at Freddy’sallure isits animatronics' backstory— a narrative thread that is as paramount as the visual horror itself. Tammi was adamant about the fidelity of their on-screen portrayal, knowing well that the emotional core of the game’s plot — the tragic spirits within the robotic shells — had to be impeccably translated. Cawthon’s on-set presence was not just symbolic but integral. He shepherded the adaptation through its production journey in New Orleans, ensuring the film remained true to the series' roots.
Five Nights at Freddy’swas released on Peacock on August 23, 2025, and was theatrically released a day later, on October 27.
