Billy Bob Thornton ‘Elm Street’ Rumours Spark Defamer Casting Frenzy

The day’s fastest-spreading casting rumour intrigues as much for its potential for on-screen carnage as its requisite off-screen tragedy: The man who originated Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street has Billy Bob Thornton pegged to portray the razor-fingered villain in a planned remake. Robert Englund doesn’t sound too upset about it, either, informing JoBlo that the Michael Bay-produced reimagining would treat Wes Craven’s original with the hacky, high-gloss dignity it deserved 25 years ago. Englund stopped short of suggesting he’d join the film, of course, lest he subject himself to Thornton’s infamous scythe-handling clumsiness.

Nevertheless, his overall support reminds us what a fertile period it is for the villain in American cinema — and how ’80s/’90s-era schlock could stand to benefit from an A-list talent injection. We consulted our own casting department for five ideal remakes, and the stars who might push them over the top:

Leprechaun, featuring Tom Cruise as Leprechaun. Both a post-Tropic Thunder capitalization for the resurgent star and a perfect UA palate cleanser after the ordeal of Valkyrie.

Child’s Play, featuring Clay Aiken as Chucky. A natural crossover for the Man Who Wouldn’t Be Idol. A savvy agent could package this with Aiken’s new son as the male lead and Kelly Clarkson as the mother who squares off Aiken’s homicidal doll in a fight to the death. The producers couldn’t likely tell him about the “homicidal doll” part until after the shoot, but whatever; it’s not like he needs a script or anything.

Friday the 13th, featuring Corey Feldman as Jason Voorhees. Feldman broke through in 1984 as young Jason-slayer Tommy Jarvis, but with the franchise having exhausted Tommy’s psychosis and The Two Coreys essentially confirming Feldman’s own, this match makes itself. Scrap the remake in the works, Paramount — or at least order some reshoots.

Candyman, featuring Eddie Murphy as Candyman. In a PG-rated romp directed by Brian Robbins, Murphy’s fat-suited Candyman really does do a number on the sweets shops in town, trailed by swarms of plump CGI bumblebees and playing kiddie snicker-snack with his candy-cane hook.

Halloween, featuring Mike Myers as Michael Myers. Tagline: “Still stroppy.”

• Billy Bob On Elm Street [JoBlo]