Like the original game, which was released in 2014 and immediately became a viral sensation, the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie will focus on a troubled security guard at a Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza venue (think a Chuck E. Cheese, but creepier). During his first night, the animatronic characters in the restaurant come alive, forcing the guard to outwit them if he hopes to survive a week of employment. In the video game, the guard’s survival methods mostly manifest in opening and closing security doors; presumably, the film will be a bit more action-packed.

It has not been announced who Hutcherson and Lillard will play; production on the film is set to commence in New Orleans in February. Emma Tammi, who directed 2018 horror film “The Wind” and two episodes of the Hulu “Into the Dark” anthology, will direct “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” She co-wrote the script with Scott Cawthon, the creator of the video-game series, as well as Seth Cuddeback. Related Wes Craven Was ‘Really Miserable’ After Making ‘Scream’ Sequels, Says Matthew Lillard ‘Scooby-Doo’: Will Forte Is the New Voice of Shaggy, and No One Told Matthew Lillard Related Oscars 2023: Best International Feature Film Predictions ‘Lift Me Up’ Rises to Frontrunner Status in Best Original Song Race
Blumhouse produces the film in association with Striker Entertainment. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop will be bringing Freddy and the other murderous animatronics to the big screen. Cawthon and Blumhouse boss Jason Blum produce; Russell Binder executive produces. Since Cawthon first self-published the original “Five Nights at Freddy’s” game for PCs, the series has developed a large and very active fanbase and spawned a multimedia franchise. To date, nine games in the series have been published; the latest, “Security Breach,” came out last year. Several other spinoff games, comic books, and a novel trilogy have also been released. Hutcherson is represented by The Beddingfield Company, Gersh, and the law firm of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox. Lillard is represented by A3, Silver Lining Ent, and attorney Wendy Heller. Deadline was the first to report Hutcherson and Lillard’s casting in the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.