Seeing Five Nights at Freddy’s? Here’s what to know about the long-awaited video game movie
Who's ready for some Fazbear pizza?
After years of campaigning from die-hard fans, "Five Nights at Freddy's" is finally opening up on the big screen this weekend.
The movie, based on the popular horror video game, is directed by Emma Tammi, who wrote the script along with the video game's creator Scott Cawthon and screenwriter Seth Cuddeback. It's being produced by Blumhouse Productions, responsible for hits like 'Happy Death Day,' 'M3gan' and the 'Purge' series.
Whether you need a refresher on the plot or an ultimate guide on what to expect, here's what you need to know before watching these deadly animatronics take over a children's pizza joint.
Review for 'FNAF': 'Five Nights at Freddy's' puts a horror twist on Chuck E. Cheese nostalgia
What is Five Nights at Freddy's?
Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror series first originating from a video game. It consists a player that usually a night-time employee at a location connected with Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, a fictional children's restaurant that takes inspiration from other pizza chains like Chuck E. Cheese's and ShowBiz Pizza Place.
The restaurant has life-size animatronic characters resembling animals that perform on a show stage for children's parties. These horrifying animatronics wander the restaurant at night, with the guard tasked to watch over them.
In the game, the player must guard themselves against animatronics with a variety of tools while the sentient animatronics attempt to murder the player. As the title suggests, you have to last five days as the night guard.
How much lore is there to Five Nights at Freddy's?
As one would expect from a horror game, the explanation is very gruesome and startling for why these homicidal robots are trying to kill you. However, as any fans of the series will tell you, the lore is also very complicated and complex.
Spoilers ahead for the game and possibly the movie!
According to FNAF Wiki, the original explanation for the animatronics' mobility is to prevent their servomotors from locking up due to lack of use. Their terrifying behaviors are caused by their mistaking humans for animatronic endoskeletons, whom they force inside character suits.
The third game then establishes that the animatronics are actually possessed by spirits of children killed by restaurant cofounder and the franchise's antagonist William Afton. We won't go into detail about that part of the story.
However, if you have a full hour and a half to kill before seeing the movie, Youtuber Hyper Driod explains the entire timeline for those not familiar.
When did the Five Night at Freddy's video game come out?
The first Five Nights at Freddy's game came out on Aug. 8, 2014. The second video game followed up three months later on Nov. 11.
The video games have two others in the series, both released in 2015.
Who are the characters in Five Nights at Freddy's?
There are four main animatronics that exist within the Freddy Fazbear’s pizzeria:
Bonnie the bunny
Chica the chicken
Foxy the Pirate Fox
Mr. Freddy Fazbear, of course
As for the humans, there's the playable nighttime security guard who's name is Mike. There is also "Phone Guy," who is established as a previous security guard and gives the player details as the game progresses.
As you uncover the story, more characters are uncovered.
When does the 'FNAF' movie come out?
"Five Nights at Freddy's" officially opens in theaters on Friday, Oct. 27.
However, tickets are available for earlier showings at some Regal Theatres, AMC and other theaters beginning Thursday, Oct. 26.
Who will star in Five Nights at Freddy's?
The movie will feature Josh Hutcherson, best known from "The Hunger Games" movies, as Mike, the new security guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza.
The film also stars Elizabeth Lail, Matthew Lillard and Mary Stuart Masterson.
Unlike the video game, it adds a new character to the mix. Piper Rubio will star as Abby, Mike's younger sister.
Is Five Nights at Freddy's kid friendly? What is it rated?
"Five Nights at Freddy's" is rated PG-13 for strong violent content, bloody images and language.
Given its rating, it's probably not suitable for younger children.
Where can I buy tickets to see Five Nights at Freddy's?
For those wanting to test luck against the animatronics, they can visit their respective local theatre's website to purchase tickets ahead of time:
Since this movie is very popular, many theatres advise to purchase tickets as early as possible to get desired seats.
Will the Five Nights at Freddy's movie be streaming?
"Five Night at Freddy's" will be available for streaming on Peacock on Friday, Oct. 27, the same day it is officially released in theaters.
What special foods are movie theatres, restaurants being out for Five Nights at Freddy's?
AMC Theatres is selling special flatbreads in custom boxes from Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria for opening weekend while supplies last.
Turn your nightmare cravings into a savings fantasy. 🤤 For a limited time, save $2 on our supreme flatbreads served in a #FiveNightsAtFreddys pizza box at participating locations! pic.twitter.com/B8vdLG6rmi
— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) October 26, 2023
If pizza isn't your thing, grab a "Freddy Fazbear's Cookie Pizza" at Insomnia Pizza ahead of time. The spooky dessert consists of a cookie crust with cookie topping baked right into the crust base and your choice of an icing, a drizzle and an additional candy topping.
It's then slashed into 8 slices and served in a terrifying limited-edition Five Nights at Freddy's box sleeve.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Five Nights at Freddy's movie: What to know before you go
