Revealing the Disturbing Twist Behind the Villain in the Five Nights At Freddy's Movie

Summary

In the Five Nights at Freddy's movie, a significant plot twist emerges when it is revealed that the possessed animatronics are under the control of their murderer, William Afton, who also happens to be the restaurant's owner. Emma Tammi, the co-writer and director, discusses the choice to introduce Matthew Lillard as a distinct character and admires his skill in portraying a mysterious and enigmatic persona with charm and subtlety.

Matthew Lillard has officially confirmed his involvement in a three-film contract for the franchise, making it highly likely that he will reprise his role as the undead villain in potential sequels. In addition, the forthcoming sequel may explore Vanessa and Mike's efforts to thwart her father.

While the animatronics initially served as the main antagonists in the Five Nights at Freddy's movie, there is a significant plot twist that Emma Tammi has now provided details on. Co-written by Tammi, franchise creator Scott Cawthon, and Seth Cuddeback, this horror video game adaptation revolves around Josh Hutcherson's character, Mike Schmidt, who takes up a security position at Freddy's Fazbear Pizza only to be haunted by the animatronics imbued with the souls of murdered children. Furthermore, the film eventually unveils that these animatronics are under the control of their murderer, William Afton, portrayed by Matthew Lillard, who is also the restaurant's owner and founder.

Following the release of the movie, TheWrap conducted a spoiler-filled interview with Tammi regarding the twist and ending of the villain in the Five Nights at Freddy's movie. When discussing the casting process and bringing the character to life, the co-writer/director enthusiastically expressed her and Lillard's excitement about Afton's appearance. She explained the decision to introduce him as a distinct character and hinted at his potential involvement in future sequels. Here's what Tammi had to say:

In the film, he actually portrays two characters, not just one. This was something we added specifically for the movie. When stepping into the role of Afton, Matthew Lillard was fully aware of the significance and magnitude of the character. Bringing someone as iconic as him to portray an iconic character felt like a perfect match. He was genuinely thrilled. His own children are fans of the game, so he understood how important this project was going to be. I was equally excited because not only is he incredibly talented and a pleasure to work with, but he has a knack for infusing a touch of amusement and mischief into his darker performances. Despite playing a character who does reprehensible things, Matthew has always managed to bring a smile and a wink to his sinister portrayals. The fact that he can balance both these aspects made him the ideal fit for this movie... And if we're fortunate enough, and if audiences embrace this first installment, we hope to continue the storyline in future films.

Matthew Lillard's William Afton Reveal Explained (& His Potential Future)

Lillard made his debut in the film as Steve Raglan, an eccentric career counselor who offers Mike the job of a security guard at Freddy's. He subtly hints at a high turnover rate for those who take on the job. Elizabeth Lail's character, Vanessa, throughout the movie mysteriously suggests that the owner of the restaurant is responsible for the child abductions and murders that forced its closure in the 1980s. She eventually reveals herself to be Afton's daughter and joins forces with Mike to rescue Abby from becoming an animatronic. In the climactic final act, Afton himself appears dressed as Springtrap, the infamous yellow rabbit suit from the game, which he wore during his previous killings.

The twist regarding the Five Nights at Freddy's villain was somewhat spoiled before the movie's release. A casting report initially indicated that Lillard would play the role of Afton, only for subsequent reports to clarify that he would portray Raglan instead. The movie cleverly dropped hints about Raglan's secret identity, such as when he pauses while reading Mike's last name during their initial interview, recognizing him as the older brother of one of Afton's victims. Raglan also mentions that the owner of Freddy's refused to sell the place for sentimental reasons, pausing as he nostalgically reminisces.

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Lillard had confirmed, just before the movie was released, that he had signed a three-movie contract with Five Nights at Freddy's. This further supports the early theories that he would be portraying the main antagonist of the franchise. In the movie's conclusion, he is shown trapped in his Springtrap suit, similar to the games. This suggests that if there is a potential sequel for Five Nights at Freddy's 2, Lillard could return either as the undead villain or through flashbacks to provide a deeper understanding of the backstory and motivations explored in game sequels and spinoff novels. Vanessa, who survived being stabbed by Afton in the climax of the first movie, could also play a significant role in a sequel as she joins forces with Mike to finally put an end to her father.

Source: TheWrap