CinemaBravo

In the highly-anticipated horror film ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ which stars Josh Hutcherson from the blockbuster ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, we dive into a thrilling survival story. In this adaptation of a popular horror game, Hutcherson takes on the role of Mike, an unemployed security guard with a troubled history who steps up as the guardian of his younger sister.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ introduces the viewers to seemingly harmless animatronic stage performers in an abandoned amusement park, inspired by the horror game, who come to life when darkness falls.

Amidst a challenging situation, Mike accepts an overnight watchman job at the closed Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, where the animatronic stage performers exhibit an unusual habit of moving around during the night. Since the age of 12, Mike has been haunted by the abduction of his younger brother Garrett (Lucas Grant) from a park, right in front of his parents. His relentless search for his brother and the kidnapper has left a lasting mark, even in his dreams. As Hutcherson explains, “Mike shoulders the weight of the world, acting as a father figure while coping with his own deep-seated trauma.”

Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, renowned for its creature effects, brought the animatronic and puppet effects to life in the film. They are the creative minds behind iconic projects like Sesame Street, Dark Crystal, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Babe.

Working with the animatronic creations from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop was a jaw-dropping experience for Hutcherson. He exclaims, “Watching them come to life was incredible. They have a texture and quality that only Henson can deliver. As an actor, having something physical and real to interact with was amazing. My character is supposed to be haunted by these creatures, and now I have a tangible presence in front of me that, in the right light, is truly terrifying.”

While the film is filled with fantastical elements, Hutcherson’s focus remained on the human aspect of the story. He shares, “Because the world of ‘Five Nights’ is larger-than-life, we wanted to ground these characters.”

Game creator and film producer Scott Cawthon was thoroughly impressed, stating, “Josh Hutcherson brought authenticity to his role. When I watch him, I genuinely believe in a man striving to take care of his little sister. He’s instantly likable and relatable, and you’ll want to see him succeed in his mission.”

Catch ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ from Universal Pictures in theaters nationwide — now showing!