Insights from the Director: Will There Be an R-Rated Version of Five Nights at Freddy's?

Highlights

Fans hoping for an R-rated version of the Five Nights at Freddy's movie may be disappointed as director Emma Tammi states that the film will maintain a PG-13 rating.

Tammi recognizes the audience's craving for darker and more intense aspects in the movie, yet clarifies their intention to incorporate these elements while maintaining a PG-13 rating. Although the initial film will not be R-rated, Tammi hints at the possibility of future sequels exploring the R-rated realm. Gruesome scenes may still be incorporated, albeit discreetly or indirectly suggested.

The highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy's movie is set to release soon, and fans are eager to know if there will be an R-rated version. Unfortunately, Director Emma Tammi's response did not offer much hope.

The announcement of a Five Nights at Freddy's movie produced by Blumhouse came in 2015, just a year after the release of the first game. However, the film has experienced several directorial changes, with Chris Columbus stepping away from the project, resulting in a prolonged development period. Despite the iconic horror game franchise, created by Scott Cawthon, never receiving a rating higher than T for Teen from the ESRB or 13+ from the app store, many fans who have grown up while waiting for the film now desire an R-rated version.

In response to a request for an R-rated version of Five Nights at Freddy's, Tammi acknowledged the desires of certain fans. "We were aware that there would be a section of the fan base seeking an R-rated adaptation of this film," she stated. "While we aimed to cater to younger audiences and maintain a PG-13 rating, we also wanted to incorporate elements of darkness for those who craved a sense of violence or its implication."

Tammi discussed how they maintained a PG-13 rating while exploring the darker aspects of the Five Nights at Freddy's lore. While acknowledging the presence of dark elements, the focus was on executing the content in a way that implied or partially showed the events, rather than fully depicting them. The objective was to align with the PG-13 category while still being creative and evocative. The director emphasized that viewers should not expect an R-rated version for the current film as they were satisfied with the PG-13 tone and believed it suited the story appropriately. They are committed to this decision.

Although Five Nights at Freddy's fans might be disappointed that the first film will not have an explicit, gory R-rated edition, the director suggests the possibility of future sequels adopting an R-rated approach. Additionally, though the more gruesome scenes may be disguised or slightly veiled, they will still have a presence in the film. For those seeking an R-rated Five Nights at Freddy's movie experience, they can explore Nicolas Cage's Willy's Wonderland, which appears to draw inspiration from the horror franchise.

Five Nights at Freddy's releases on Peacock on October 26 at 8:00 PM ET and in theaters on October 27, 2023.

Source: Forbes