Decoding the End-Credits Scene of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Uniting YouTubers

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Five Nights at Freddy's.

The Big Picture

The mid-credits scene in the Five Nights at Freddy's movie is a heartfelt tribute to the devoted fan base that has backed the franchise over the years. It expresses gratitude for their unwavering support.

In this scene, the Balloon Boy character, a lesser-known animatronic from the franchise, takes center stage. Mirroring its presence in the games, Balloon Boy lurks and startles individuals, adding a thrilling element to the movie.

The movie also features cameos from other popular YouTubers, including Cory Kenshin and MatPat, who have played a vital role in the franchise's growth through their gameplay, theories, and Easter egg discoveries.

After years of anticipation, the Five Nights at Freddy's killer animatronics are finally unleashed in the Blumhouse adaptation of the original games. The film has its fair share of highs and lows, but it does include an entertaining scene during the credits (not at the very end, so you can leave if you'd like). One of the great things about this scene, and the movie as a whole, is how it pays tribute to the dedicated fan community that has supported the franchise over the years. While it doesn't set up a larger Five Nights at Freddy's universe or provide answers to any lingering questions from the film, it does serve as a heartfelt "thank you" to the fans for their unwavering support.

Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror film that is set to be released on October 27, 2023. The movie is directed by Emma Tammi and features a cast that includes Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Elizabeth Lail, and Mary Stuart Masterson. With a runtime of 110 minutes, it falls under the PG-13 rating category.

What Does 'Five Nights at Freddy's Mid-Credits Scene Mean?

Image via Universal

In the third act, a large and worn-out animatronic named Freddy Fazbear visits Mike Schmidt's house in order to retrieve his sister, Abby. To accomplish this, the unlikely pair takes a cab, which frightens the driver due to the presence of a huge, one-eyed bear in the backseat. The cab driver reappears later in the credits, waking up from a nap near Freddy's, only to be horrified by the sight of the Balloon Boy animatronic, a smaller but equally eerie character.

The Balloon Boy is a lesser-known puppet from the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise, first appearing in the second game. In the movie, his role remains largely the same: hiding in corners and behind doors to terrify those who are already concerned about the larger animatronics. He spooks Mike when he opens his locker in the security room, startles one of Aunt Jane's henchmen as they hide from the Bonnie animatronic, and finally surprises the cab driver upon awakening. Despite his desire to join in the violent chaos alongside his larger siblings, the Balloon Boy's unsettling appearance and lack of movement make it difficult for him to do so. Unfortunately, he is always discovered facing away from the viewer, adding to his woeful plight.

Who Plays the Cab Driver in 'Five Nights at Freddy's?

Image Via Universal

The Five Nights at Freddy's media franchise has successfully cultivated a large and devoted fan base. This is particularly interesting considering that the first four games were released during the rise of YouTube culture, where quick and original content gained popularity. YouTube gaming content, such as reacting to gameplay and theorizing about the story, quickly gained traction. It is in this context that the character of the cab driver in the movie's mid-credits scene enters the picture.

While the role of the cab driver may seem minor in the Five Nights at Freddy's universe (as it is the first appearance of the character), it holds great significance for fans. This is because the cab driver is played by Cory Kenshin, known for his YouTube channel called CoryxKenshin. When the movie's first trailer was released in July, Kenshin posted a reaction video on his channel, confirming his involvement in the film. However, he made it clear that he had no intentions of pursuing a full-time acting career. Interestingly, Kenshin was offered the role directly by Scott Cawthon, the creator of the franchise and one of the movie's writers.

Cory Kenshin Isn’t the Only YouTuber Cameo in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s

Image via Universal Pictures

Cory Kenshin's cameo in the mid-credits scene is significant, but it's just one of many in the movie. The Internet culture has played a major role in the growth of Five Nights at Freddy's as a media franchise. The movie cleverly incorporates this by including popular YouTubers who have contributed to the game's success through playthroughs, Easter egg discoveries, and theories. These YouTubers, who have gained significant followings themselves, are also featured in the film.

In a scene where Aunt Jane is scheming to get Mike fired, MatPat from The Game Theorists makes a subtle appearance as their waiter in a diner conversation. He mentions that "lunch is the most important meal of the day" and dismisses breakfast as "just a theory." Fans familiar with YouTube culture will recognize MatPat as someone who has delved into numerous theories about the Five Nights at Freddy's games. Other well-known YouTubers such as 8-Bit Ryan, Baz, Razzbowski, FusionZGamer, and Dawko also have smaller cameos, with their pictures displayed on the "Employee of the Month" sign at Freddy's. These YouTubers have played a crucial role in expanding the franchise's audience.