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Robert Englund Says He Fought to Keep Freddy Krueger’s Fedora

A resurfaced 2024 oral history has Englund crediting the fedora fight with cementing Freddy’s enduring silhouette.

Overview

  • SlashFilm’s Oct. 20 report highlights Englund’s recollection that he argued to retain the hat during A Nightmare on Elm Street’s production.
  • Englund says producer Robert Shea wanted the hat removed and that Wes Craven was open to the change, prompting him to make the case to keep it.
  • He recalls demonstrating the hat’s value for shadowy silhouette and performance beats, reinforcing how the character would read on screen.
  • The fedora ultimately became a signature element alongside the bladed glove and red‑and‑green sweater, defining Freddy’s recognizable look.
  • The account stems from Englund’s memory in a 2024 Ringer oral history, with the fedora’s cultural impact supported by the franchise’s long-running success.