Actor Freddy Krueger reveals why he won’t be reprising his iconic role from Nightmare on Elm Street

Playing one of the most iconic horror villains of all time, Robert Englund has become synonymous with nightmares and terror, but like it or not, he’s saying goodbye to Freddy Krueger.

At 77, Englund has revealed (via Bloody Disgusting) that he is now “too old” to continue playing the dream stalker in new films. When asked if he had one more Freddy performance, he said, “No. I literally don’t.

“I mean, there might be some trick we could do with a close-up or something, but no, I can’t play with him anymore. I’m too old. I don’t have any Freddy left.”

However, that doesn’t mean Englund is done with the role for good. In fact, he’s set to lend his voice to a less physically demanding iteration of the slasher villain. Specifically, in animated form.

New Line Cinema

“I could possibly voice a high-end animated version,” he said. “It would be nice if they were asked, but I know I can’t do the fight scenes more than one take now, one angle. I just can’t be breaking my head or anything like that. I’m an old dog! Give me a rest”.

Englund debuted as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. In the 40 years since, he has returned to play the character seven times in more horror films, as well as in the television spin-off Freddy’s nightmares In the 2010 remake, Jackie Earle Haley played Krueger.

It’s clear that even the most devoted Elm Street fans believe that Englund has earned his retirement from the role.

“He’s earned the rest of you ask me,” said one X user, with another agreeing: “I mean… to be fair, he’s 77. Anyone who expects him to do what he did in the 80s needs a reality check.”

“I’m glad he’s more concerned about his health, but he still loves the character enough to do the voice work,” added a third.

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