Robert Englund back in Freddy make-up in the trailer for new make-up doc

Last Updated on July 21, 2021

While Robert Englund has said many times before that he is finished wearing the Freddy make-up, it looks like he is giving it one more go (again) for the new documentary NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKE-UP CHAIR. This doc is supposedly in an attempt, among other things, to be a tribute to the legacy of Mr. Wes Craven. Nice. On top of the tribute, Robert Englund will also take fans through his years as Freddy Krueger with stories and anecdotes, meet fans as Freddy, and be interviewed in full Freddy makeup.

Robert Englund has this to say about the upcoming doc: 

“NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKEUP CHAIR is my love letter to the Nightmare on Elm Street series and to practical makeup. I’ve always been in awe of the multi-talented makeup effects artists. From sketching to sculpting, they realize the design. Then to the fine precision of the molding and the manufacturing of the makeup appliances which are nearly paper thin. And then, the application process where I sit in the makeup chair and I become their living canvas as they glue me in and paint the appliances. This documentary not only captures their talent, but I think it might inspire a new generation of practical effects artists. I was happy to become Freddy once again to share the makeup process with the fans.”

Make-up man extraordinaire, and the 'K' from KNB, Robert Kurtzman says:

“Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger is one of the greatest horror characters of all time, and it was exciting for me to create my own version of Freddy. I always look forward to working with Robert Englund. He’s a captivating storyteller who tells these entertaining stories in the makeup room. And during this film he tells these great stories about the Nightmare films and playing Freddy while I’m applying the Krueger makeup.”

NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKEUP CHAIR director Mike Kerz gives some background on the film: 

“I was inspired by the vintage photos of the legendary artist Jack Pierce applying the Frankenstein makeup to Boris Karloff. Sadly, those sessions were never documented on film. That is why we created our documentary – fans will see two modern horror legends at work. Robert Englund is fascinating as he shares insightful stories about the Elm Street films and Freddy with the audience. And it is amazing to watch Robert Kurtzman apply the various stages of makeup to transform Robert Englund into Freddy Krueger.”

And for the very first time, the complete Krueger makeup process is captured in HD, preserving "every detail of the application process." NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKEUP CHAIR will premiere at "a TBD film festival" in 2017. Distribution is pending. The film will include theatrical roadshow engagements and a coffee table book. 

Check out the trailer: