Five Nights at Freddy's 2 Horror Movie: Interviews with Josh Hutcherson and Director

Plot of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2is the sequel to the 2023 horror movieFive Nights at Freddy’s. It follows a security guard starting his first night shift at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where he soon realizes the animatronic mascots come to life—and become deadly.

Director Emma Tammi told The Au Review about the dedicated fanbase the movie can count on. “One of the most important things we heard before the sequel was that many fans, especially horror enthusiasts, really wanted it to be scarier. I believe we achieved that. Partly naturally, because there’s a significant increase in the number of animatronics. But the sequel also takes on a darker tone, which I find really fun and an expansion of that world.”

She also aimed to maintain the tone of the first movie while expanding and developing it from a broader perspective. “If it hadn’t felt like an authentic remake of the people, the spaces, and the characters we appreciated in the first movie, it would have been a mistake.” The screenplay carefully considered where the characters had been not only in the first movie but also in the year and a half since its end, and how they reappear in the second. “It was really a moment of self-reflection to ensure their story arcs in the sequel worked, especially in relation to the lore and the animatronics. I think it forms a fantastic thread connecting the two movies. It’s bigger, scarier, and packed with action. It’s truly exciting.”

Regarding the acting challenges of blending physical performance with introspection, Josh Hutcherson said he had to mix “not only the horror and the internal component but also the absurdity of animatronics haunted by ghost children. You have to ignore certain logical parts of your brain. Which, as an actor, you always do. You know, when someone points a gun at you, it won’t kill you. Or when there’s a stunt, it’s a safety matter. But sometimes it’s complicated. I think the work we did, especially me and Emma (Tammi), focusing on understanding the emotional journey of my character, always gave me a foundation of something honest to return to.”

He also confirmed that some moments are hilarious: “There are situations involving multiple animatronics that I think fans, especially the most dedicated ones, will say: ‘What? That’s crazy!’ (…) A lot of attention was given to creating something that hardcore fans will absolutely love, and it’s much scarier. The message that the first movie wasn’t scary enough was definitely received. We raised the bar, and I’m very happy about that. Yes, it’s great to be part of something with such a big following. Intimidating, but very rewarding.”

In the sequel’s trailer, Mike Schmidt says to paranormal investigator Lisa (Mckenna Grace): “Want to tell me about these nightmares?”; “It’s always the same”; “Your father?”; “My father was a monster.”

While visiting an old pizzeria, she reassures: “It’s the original, no one’s been here for decades.” A recorded video reveals: “A little girl was killed here.” Then objects come to life, and a child is captured. “Where do you think you’re going? I’m not done with you,” a voice hisses. “Half the town will be dead before morning,” another voice warns.

Cast of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

Josh Hutcherson stars as Mike Schmidt, former security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza; Elizabeth Lail plays Vanessa Shelly, a local police officer and daughter of William Afton; Mckenna Grace is the paranormal investigator; Piper Rubio plays Abby Schmidt, Mike’s younger sister.

Matthew Lillard portrays William Afton, a serial killer and Vanessa’s father, previously trapped and crushed inside his own spring suit. The first movie had a budget of $20 million and grossed $297.1 million. It is based on Scott Cawthon’sFive Nights at Freddy’svideo game series.

Director Emma Tammi, known forThe WindandInto the Dark, began filming the sequel in November 2024, wrapping up in February 2025. The movie is set to release in US theaters on December 5, 2025.

Streaming and On-Demand Availability

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2(2023) is available for streaming and on-demand on Microsoft Store, iTunes, and Amazon Prime Video.