Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated horror releases. As the direct sequel to 2023’s box-office smash, fans are hoping this sequel will fix what the first movie got wrong and deliver something that finally lives up to the hype.
The first FNAF film, also directed by Emma Tammi, became the highest-grossing release in Blumhouse Productions’ history and dominated theaters worldwide. But despite its commercial success, it was slammed by critics and left audiences outside the core fanbase unimpressed.
Whether Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 can win over skeptics remains to be seen, but early reactions suggest fans have good reason to stay optimistic.
Early Buzz for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Looks Promising
The new film based on Scott Cawthon’s hit game series is set to premiere on December 5, 2025. Although there are still a few months to go, a lucky few have already gotten a sneak peek.
It’s standard practice for big studios to run test screenings with selected audiences to gather feedback, tweak edits, or even shoot new scenes if needed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has already had its first test screenings, and while details are still under wraps, the initial word is positive.
The outlet reports that audiences “responded enthusiastically” to the early cut, which is a good sign for the sequel’s chances. Of course, test screenings don’t always reflect how wider audiences and critics will react, but it’s a promising start for the animatronic horror franchise.
Blumhouse Needs FNAF to Deliver Once Again
There’s no doubt Blumhouse Productions could use a hit right now. The studio has faced a rough patch lately, with M3GAN 2.0 pulling in only $27.2 million on opening weekend, well below the first film’s debut.
Rumors have already hinted that Jason Blum’s company and Universal Pictures are interested in greenlighting a third Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, but whether that happens will depend on how well the sequel performs. It’s worth remembering that, despite bad reviews, the first movie still pulled in an impressive $297.1 million worldwide.
The good news for fans is that Scott Cawthon seems to have listened to community feedback this time around. Matthew Lillard, who returns as William Afton, also known as Springtrap, said that the creator made key changes to deliver a stronger story, with more action and bigger scares.
So what do you think? Will Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 redeem the franchise and become both a critical and commercial success? Let us know in the comments!