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The 2023 horror hit took audiences all around the world by storm when it made its debut just in time for Halloween, with the film serving as an adaptation of the popular video game series. The movie focuses on a down-on-his-luck security guard who takes a job at the abandoned Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. There, he makes the terrifying discovery that its animatronics are possessed by the spirits of murdered children.

Featuring the talents of stars like Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, and Elizabeth Lail, Five Nights at Freddy's became a surprising blockbuster knockout that grossed over $297 million worldwide against a $20 million budget despite garnering a negative response from critics. Audiences clearly felt the polar opposite and awarded the film an A− CinemaScore and 86% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, helping pave the way for the follow-up, . Let's take a look at everything we know so far about the upcoming horror sequel.

The Hunger Games alum is set to reprise his lead role of former Freddy Fazbear's Pizza security guard Mike Schmidt for the upcoming sequel, and he will appear alongside fellow returning cast members (Vanessa Shelly) and (Abby Schmidt). Horror legend will also be back as serial killer William Afton and will be reunited with his iconic Scream co-star , who will be joining the franchise as Henry Emily, one of the co-founders of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza and an old partner of Afton's.

Lillard is no stranger to starring in spooky cinematic hits, as he memorably appeared in the aforementioned Wes Craven masterpiece in 1996 before going on to play and voice Shaggy in the live-action Scooby-Doo movies as well as 2001's Thirteen Ghosts. In an interview with GamesRadar+, the actor said of his return to the franchise: "I'm thrilled to be a part of it. I'm thrilled to give them the next iteration of the story. I think they're gonna love it. The reality is that I've been so lovingly embraced by the FNAF community that It's really humbling."

Other new cast members appearing in the spine-tingling sequel include Seinfeld staple , (The Handmaid's Tale, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), and (Final Destination Bloodlines), all of whom will be starring in undisclosed roles. is back to direct Five Nights at Freddy's 2 along with returning writer , who also created the popular video game series the film is based on. Jim Henson's Creature Shop will also be serving up even more thrills and chills by once again designing the animatronics for the film.

Plot details for Five Nights at Freddy's 2 are still currently being kept under wraps, and its creators have gone so far as to release fake scripts in order to trick fans about the premise. However, it is likely the sequel will pick right up after the terrifying events of the original film, which saw Lillard's serial killer character, William Afton, being trapped in a "yellow rabbit" suit and mortally wounded by the animatronics. His daughter Vanessa also ended up in a coma as a result of his actions, so it's safe to assume the fallout will be explored in the upcoming flick.

Since the second video game in the series takes place in November 1987, it makes sense that the follow-up could potentially serve as a prequel and feature flashback scenes depicting the origins and lore of the hair-raising universe. Lillard was eager to reprise his role as the demented murderer after the jaw-dropping success of the first movie, confirming his involvement in an Instagram post of him dressed as Springrap with the caption: "December 2025. I ALWAYS COME BACK."

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 will be making its exciting debut in theaters on December 5, 2025 and will arrive just in time for Christmas. Production for the sequel began in November 2024 and wrapped in February 2025, with both Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures looking to quickly capitalize on the surprising success of the 2023 blockbuster by churning out the follow-up. Despite the fact that the second installment has yet to even premiere, Five Nights at Freddy's 3 has already been announced to be in the works with filming for the prequel set to begin in late 2025.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is poised to be just as entertaining as its predecessor, as the first test screenings show a positive reaction from the lucky audience members selected to review it. The publication reported that viewers have "responded enthusiastically" to the first cut, which hopefully foreshadows the success the film will receive when it premieres later this year. Blumhouse Productions is in dire need of a box office win after the lackluster debut of M3GAN 2.0, which grossed just $27.2 million in its opening weekend, which was well below the first film's debut.