With the release of Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 just weeks away, star Josh Hutcherson has shed light on what fans can anticipate from the sequel to the popular horror franchise. Set to hit theaters on December 5, 2025, the film continues the story of Mike Schmidt, a former security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, who grapples with the haunting presence of murderous animatronics.
In this installment, Hutcherson is joined by a talented cast, including Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Wayne Knight, McKenna Grace, Skeet Ulrich, and Matthew Lillard. Additionally, Megan Fox and YouTuber Matthew “MatPat” Patrick lend their voices to some of the animatronic characters. The plot intricately weaves together the mysteries surrounding the pizzeria and its sinister creator, William Afton.
Hutcherson, known for his role in The Hunger Games, admitted to being relatively unfamiliar with the Five Nights At Freddy’s franchise prior to joining the project. The game series, which began in 2014, gained immense popularity, particularly among younger audiences, thanks to viral gameplay videos and fan theories from notable YouTubers like MatPat and Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach. He expressed surprise at the “absolutely rabid fanbase” that the franchise has cultivated over the years.
Speaking with Variety, Hutcherson acknowledged the importance of staying true to the game’s lore. “The main focus is making something that the FNAF fandom will go crazy for,” he stated. He described moments of confusion regarding the game’s rules, emphasizing the challenge of translating the gaming experience into film. “Sometimes I’m like, ‘This doesn’t make any sense! How can I possibly do this?’ And they’re like, ‘It’s from the game,’” he recounted, illustrating the complexities of adapting such a beloved series.
Challenges of Working with Animatronics
A significant aspect of the film’s production is the use of practical animatronics, designed by the Jim Henson Creature Shop. Hutcherson highlighted the challenges that arise from working with these elaborate creations, which include puppetry and wearable suits. He noted that Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 features “more than double” the number of animatronics compared to its predecessor, with one character, named Mangle, requiring a team of 10 to 12 people to operate effectively.
Describing the intricate filming process, Hutcherson shared, “The stunt actor has to turn and look to the right, but then three people with remote controls have to make the eyes time with the blink. You’ll do 10 takes because the animatronic movement isn’t quite working. That one take the animatronic is perfect, you better be perfect too, because that’s the one that’s going in the movie.”
As anticipation builds for the sequel, Hutcherson hinted at an exciting plot twist: “The animatronics may find a way to leave the pizzeria, which is a big deal.” This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the storyline, promising fans an engaging cinematic experience.
In summary, Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 aims to capture the essence of the original games while delivering a fresh narrative that resonates with both devoted fans and newcomers. As the release date approaches, Hutcherson’s insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and creativity behind the project.
