Summary
Making the movie for existing fans of Five Nights at Freddy's is crucial in order to tap into what already makes the property great and honor the passion of the fan base.
By prioritizing the existing enthusiastic fanbase, the creators can explore the reasons behind their love for the game and craft a narrative that expands on those elements, thereby captivating new audiences. With Scott Cawthon, the game's creator, actively involved, the film maintains its fidelity to the original concept while also uncovering avenues to enhance the lesser-known aspects.
Jason Blum, the producer of Five Nights At Freddy's, sheds light on why the film was developed with existing fans in mind and emphasizes the need for Hollywood to adopt this approach when creating adaptations. Hollywood thrives on adapting various forms of media, such as comic books, novels, video games, and TV shows into films, and vice versa. However, a significant number of these movies, especially within the superhero genre, prioritize appealing to the general audience, often disregarding the dedicated fans of the original source material. While this strategy may enhance the accessibility of the film for newcomers, it can also alienate the established fanbase.
During our conversation with Blum at New York Comic Con, he discusses his collaboration with Scott Cawthon, the creator of the original game. Blum highlights the significance of prioritizing the production of a movie that primarily caters to the existing fanbase of Five Nights At Freddy's. See Blum's complete statement below:
Jason Blum: I believe we took a unique approach with Scott [Cawthon]. Instead of the usual Hollywood practice of using intellectual property to target both existing and new audiences, we decided to solely focus on creating a movie for the dedicated fans of the IP. Of course, if other viewers come and enjoy it, that's a bonus. However, our main goal was to cater to the fans, and I believe they will be pleased when they watch it.
Why Tapping Into Five Nights At Freddy's Existing Fans Should Take Precedence
Five Nights At Freddy's has not only cultivated a vast mythology but has also garnered a remarkably devoted following. Enthusiasts are deeply captivated by the intricate storyline, chilling ambiance, and heart-pounding jump scares that constitute the essence of this game. By creating a movie tailored for these avid fans, Five Nights At Freddy's can fully embrace the elements that have already led to its immense success, rather than endeavoring to appeal to individuals who lack any connection to the game.
The creators of the movie have chosen to focus on the existing passionate fans rather than trying to attract a large audience. They aim to understand the elements that make fans love the game and expand on those aspects to create a complete story. Scott Cawthon, the creator of the game series, has played a key role in staying true to his original vision while also incorporating new elements. The commitment to accuracy in the design of the animatronics and the use of practical effects instead of CGI reflects the serious approach taken by the entire team. By celebrating fan love and respecting the original property, the movie is intended for those who are already excited about it, rather than solely trying to attract new viewers at the expense of loyal fans.