According a plot summary on imdb, the new re-envisioning of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" is not a re-make. Director Samuel Bayer's "Nightmare" is a modern retelling of Wes Craven's original with its own twists and turns thrown into the mix. The second trailer of Bayer's film gives the audience a peek at what's in store.
After viewing the trailer a few times, there are several references to both the original "Nightmare" and also "Nightmare" part 2. Freddy's image can be seen pushing through the walls of Nancy's bedroom, Tina (Kris in the new film) is seen in a bloody body bag, and a character falls from the second story of a house at a pool party (seen in the first trailer).
Bayer's "Nightmare" doesn't seem to be forsaking Craven's idea of Freddy Krueger, and that's a really good thing. If these trailers are any indication, he seems to be very respectful and humble towards Craven's Krueger; which die-hard "Nightmare" fans should love. Sure, the new Freddy (played by Watchmen's Jackie Earle Haley) has a more human resemblance and his voice is less computer enhanced, but Haley's Krueger is still just as sinister.
Long-time fans of the "Nightmare" series will complain that Robert Englund will always be Freddy Krueger, and that Michael Bay and Platinum Dunes (who produced the new film), should have used Englund for the role--there will always be people like that. If a true fan can watch these trailers and notice the level of detail put into each scene, and the references and hints taken from Craven's original, it will be apparent that Bayer is on to something. Quite possibly that he shares the same respect for Robert Englund's Freddy as the fans do.
Don't write off this new "Nightmare" as just another way for Hollywood execs to make more money, think of it as a fan making a "Nightmare" flick for fans.
