Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The supernatural horror film adapted from the popular video game series, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, is set to hit theaters in December 2025.
The sequel continues the suspenseful story of the successful first film in 2023, bringing the iconic animatronic horror back to the big screen.
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Directed by Emma Tammi and written by game creator Scott Cawthon, the film is expected to satisfy fans.
The film will return with Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt and Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa Shelly, along with Matthew Lillard as William Afton.
With a production budget of US$36 million, the sequel promises to deliver a bigger and more ambitious experience.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2: Huge Criticism
Early reviews for Five Nights at Freddy's 2, released in December 2025, were largely negative, similar to its prequel.
Many critics highlighted issues with the storytelling, a lack of effective suspense, awkward dialogue, and a slow pace.
Some even called the film a long promotional piece with no satisfying resolution, sacrificing story development to set up the next sequel.
The script, written by Scott Cawthon, was criticized, described as "disastrous" and "messy," prompting suggestions that Blumhouse consider professional screenwriters for future installments.
The film was also said to be relying too heavily on repetitive and predictable jump scares, which ultimately diminished the scare factor.
While the animatronics were visually impressive, some critics felt they weren't scary enough and moved awkwardly outside the restaurant setting.
Even so, there were some positive points acknowledged by some critics.
Loyal fans of the franchise will likely remain entertained due to the film's adherence to the game's lore and the surprises it offers.
Several reviews also noted that Five Nights at Freddy's 2 felt more ambitious in its storytelling and scare efforts than the first film, though not always successful.
The animatronic designs, particularly The Marionette, were praised for their creepy appearance and impressive practical effects.
Some critics even felt the film was more 'silly' and 'entertaining', indicating an improvement in those aspects, although overall reviews remained predominantly critical.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2 Production and Cast
Development of a sequel to Five Nights at Freddy's 2 has been confirmed since early 2024, following the success of the first film.
Emma Tammi is returning as director, while Scott Cawthon, the game's original creator, is taking on a crucial role as screenwriter.
Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions is returning as producer, ensuring the production quality that has become the horror studio's hallmark.
The main cast also returns, including Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt, Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa Shelly, Piper Rubio as Abby Schmidt, and Matthew Lillard as William Afton.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2 also introduces new faces such as Skeet Ulrich, Wayne Knight, Mckenna Grace, and Teo Briones, although their roles remain under wraps.
Jim Henson's Creature Shop is also back in charge of the animatronic design, promising an authentic and terrifying look.
The film's $36 million budget allowed for a larger production, including a running time of 104 to 105 minutes, as well as a PG-13 rating for violence and terror.
Five Nights at Freddy's 2 Global Release Schedule and Synopsis
Principal filming for Five Nights at Freddy's 2 took place from November 2024 to February 2025 in New Orleans.
The film's global release date has been set, beginning with a premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre on December 2, 2025.
Audiences in the United States will be able to see it on December 5, 2025, through Universal Pictures.
Other international releases have also been scheduled, with Belgium and France getting an early start on December 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, Australia, Germany, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates will release the film on December 4, 2025.
Synopsis: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is set one year after the events of the first film.
The story centers on Abby Schmidt, who reconnects with her animatronic friends and introduces a terrifying new animatronic antagonist, The Marionette, who is ready to add to the suspense.