Blumhouse Productions has been trying to get the big-screen adaptation of the popular horror video game Five Nights at Freddy’s off the ground for years, but the movie has taken a big leap forward today. Blumhouse founder Jason Blum announced today that Emma Tammi will direct the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, with production set to get underway in early 2023.
The Five Nights at Freddy’s movie is currently in pre-production with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop working on the animatronics. Created by Scott Cawthon, the video game franchise puts the player in the shoes of a security guard working the night shift at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. However, it seems that the animatronic characters, led by mascot Freddy Fazbear, wander the store at night, and the player has to do everything they can to defend themselves. In a statement, Emma Tammi said, “Stepping into the rich, terrifying world of Freddy’s alongside Scott Cawthon, Blumhouse and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is beyond thrilling. I cannot wait for audiences to immerse themselves in the wild and wonderful playground we are creating.” Emma Tammi made her directorial debut with The Wind, a western horror film that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness.
Blumhouse’s Jason Blum said, “Five Nights at Freddy’s is more consistently asked about than any other film I’ve ever worked on, and I’m thrilled to confirm it’s finally happening! With Emma Tammi at the helm, we’re committed to making Scott’s vision of the movie come to life. Rest assured, it will be and is worth the wait.” Creator Scott Cawthon added, “In meeting with Emma, I felt she had a great understanding of the franchise, and really felt that she could craft something that would please the fanbase and keep people on the edge of their seats.” The project was initially set up at Warner Bros. with Gil Kenan set to direct the movie and co-write the script with Tyler Burton Smith. Several years later, the project moved over to Blumhouse, and Chris Columbus signed o to write and direct the project before dropping out.