Everett
CBS has ordered six episodes of a new, hourlong reality show that could shock the pants off of viewers: Nightmare on Elm Street: Real Nightmares, whose pretext is that viewers can confront their worst fears, Variety reports.
The show will be hosted by Robert Englund, the actor who plays slasher Freddy Krueger in the movies, though he reportedly won't be sporting his scary disguise for the series.
The format of the show has Englund, 55, asking viewers (who will only receive a so-called "appearance fee," and no winnings) about their worst nightmares. Their answers will then come to life, thanks to a group of special-effects experts led by Oscar-winning effects artist Peter Kuran (Star Wars, X-Men 2).
The viewers will then be able to face a challenge that would play into their worst fears. (Add the word "factor" in there and you might call this an homage to a certain NBC show, only these fears are self-designed.)
"If it's a nightmare about falling, you can bet someone's going to be taking a plunge," says executive producer Jon Kroll. "You won't see all the rigging involved (with the stunt). It's going to feel like a movie, not a garishly lit reality show."
Kroll calls Englund "a Vincent Price-type who will analyze their dreams. Hopefully, through Robert, they'll be able to sleep peacefully at night because he's helped them overcome their nightmare."
As for Englund, he's "eager to discover what lurks in America's nightmares, so I can visit my victims – I mean, guests – and find out what makes 'em scream."
