A Look Back At 'A Nightmare On Elm Street': Where Are They Now?

Hey there, friends. It’s hard to believe it’s been a full 35 years since A Nightmare on Elm Street first hit theaters on November 9, 1984, and gave us all the chills. That film wasn’t just a movie—it was the start of something huge. Wes Craven, the genius behind it all, created a horror franchise that blew up into nine movies, a TV series, novels, and even comic books. So, where are the original cast members now? Let’s dive in and find out!

The Origin Story of Elm Street

The original film introduced us to Nancy Thompson, played by Heather Langenkamp, a high school girl who finds herself caught in a nightmare when her best friend gets murdered in her sleep—or rather, in her dreams—by Freddy Krueger, the sweater-wearing, glove-clad villain portrayed by Robert Englund. Alongside them was Johnny Depp as Glen Lantz, Nancy’s boyfriend, who also falls victim to Freddy’s terrifying reign. And let’s not forget John Saxon as Nancy’s dad, Lt. Donald Thompson, trying his best to protect his daughter from this nightmare world. While A Nightmare on Elm Street never took home an Oscar, it’s undeniably a classic that’s stood the test of time.

According to Box Office Mojo, the original slasher flick raked in $25.5 million and inspired six sequels between 1984 and 1994. That brings the total to nine films if you count the crossover with the Friday the 13th franchise in the 2003 film Freddy vs. Jason, and the 2010 remake of the original. These movies have collectively grossed an impressive $457 million. And let’s not forget the TV show Freddy’s Nightmares, which aired for 44 episodes from 1988 to 1990. Freddy Krueger became more than just a horror icon—he became a cultural phenomenon.

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Wes Craven: The Mind Behind the Madness

Before he passed away at the age of 76 on August 30, 2015, Wes Craven spoke candidly about his inspiration for A Nightmare on Elm Street. “There was something about me that was always drawn to dreams,” he told The Front. Wes revealed that he had nightmares as a child, likely influenced by his parents’ contentious marriage and his father’s volatile temper. Tragically, his father passed away when Wes was just five years old, leaving a lasting impression on his psyche. “There was a lot of storm and drama in my life. There was one germ that A Nightmare on Elm Street was based on—nightmares—and I was terrified to go back to sleep,” he shared. Wes turned his personal fears into a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences today.

So, scroll down below to see what the stars from the original A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984 are up to now with our handy gallery, and maybe give it a rewatch while you're at it!