MIKE FLANAGAN’S A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

Mike Flanagan, a prominent name in horror, recently revealed which slasher franchise he dreams of directing after signing on to helm a new Exorcist movie. Known for acclaimed works such as “Absentia,” “Oculus,” “Hush,” “Before I Wake,” “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” “Gerald’s Game,” and “Doctor Sleep,” as well as Netflix series like “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Midnight Mass,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Flanagan’s involvement in horror is well-established. His new Exorcist film comes after the critical failure of David Gordon Green’s “The Exorcist: Believer.”

After securing his role in the Exorcist reboot, Flanagan shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he would love to direct “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Responding to a fan poster featuring Freddy Krueger and his name, he tweeted, “A guy can dream.”

Flanagan’s new Exorcist movie, set for release on Friday the 13th, March 13, 2026, is described as a “radical new take” on the franchise. Known for his skill in blending psychological horror with character-driven storytelling, Flanagan’s fresh approach will likely delve into the psychological and emotional depths of possession and exorcism.

While “A Nightmare on Elm Street” might seem slightly outside Flanagan’s usual style, its supernatural elements align well with his strengths. If he were to take on the franchise, his version would likely explore the surreal and psychological aspects of dreams and nightmares, offering a deeper look into the psyche of Freddy Krueger and his victims.

The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise has not seen a new installment since 2010 and is ripe for revitalization. Flanagan has already proven his ability to breathe new life into horror franchises with “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” a prequel that significantly improved upon the original. Whether it’s “The Exorcist” or “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Mike Flanagan seems poised to rejuvenate and modernize these iconic horror stories.