What are your favourite entries in the Nightmare on Elm Street series? Chances are, even if it’s not your favourite, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) would factor pretty high on your list.
The deliciously dark sequel – which many feel is the true follow-up to A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – has been a fan-favourite film for over 30 years. But how much do you know about the movie?
Below are a collection of frequently asked questions about Dream Warriors. Digest, discuss, then head to the comments section to tell me which is your favourite Nightmare.
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FAQs about A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Who wrote A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors?
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors was written by Wes Craven, Bruce Wagner, Frank Darabont & Chuck Russell (Russell also directed). The original script featured an almost omnipotent version of Freddy, but this was altered in a later draft to show that Freddy could be defeated.
What else was in the first draft of Dream Warriors?
The first draft focused on the idea of various children, all under the influence of Freddy, travelling to the same town to commit suicide. This story line was abandoned in later drafts, but the suicide element did appear in the movie in the scene where the character, Phillip appears to sleep walk himself to death.
Did Robert Englund write a draft for Dream Warriors?
Yes, but it wasn’t used. During the early stages of production, Englund wrote a draft and a treatment of the script which gave Freddy more backstory.
When was Nightmare 3 released?
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors was released on February 27th 1987.
How much did Nightmare 3 cost to make?
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors was produced on a budget of $4.5 million. The budget was in keeping with the previous two entries.
Is Heather Langenkamp in Dream Warriors?
Yes. Heather Langenkamp reprised the role of Nancy Thompson for Dream Warriors, having previously sat out of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge. Langenkamp also appeared in the seventh entry in the franchise – Wes Craven’s A New Nightmare (1994).
Is John Saxon in Dream Warriors?
Yes. Actor John Saxon reprised the role of Donald Thompson for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. As with Langenkamp, Saxon would reappear once again in Wes Craven’s A New Nightmare (1994).
Who does Patricia Arquette play in Dream Warriors?
Patricia Arquette played the role of Kristen Parker in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. The film marked the only appearance of Arquette in the Nightmare franchise.
According to Robert Englund, the majority of the male cast and crew fell in love with Patricia Arquette during the making of Dream Warriors. Speaking on the Nightmare 3 Blu-ray featurette, ‘That’s Show Biz’, Englund said: “It was the most lovesick set I’ve ever been on in my life.”
Is Laurence Fishburne in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3?
Yes, Laurence “Larry” Fishburne took on the role of Max Daniels.
Do any characters from Dream Warriors appear in other Nightmare sequels?
Yes. Rodney Eastman and Ken Sagoes, who played the roles of Joey Crusel and Roland Kincaid, respectively, reprised their roles for A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master. The character of Kristen Parker also appeared in Nightmare 4, but Tuesday Knight took over the role from Patricia Arquette.
Is Freddy Krueger’s mother in Dream Warriors?
Yes. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors introduced Freddy’s mother, Amanda – a nun who became pregnant with Freddy, following a brutal attack at the Westin Hills Hospital. According to the movie, due to that attack Freddy was “the bastard son of a hundred maniacs.”
Nan Martin played the role of Amanda Krueger. Amanda’s introduction into the series allowed for the movie to develop Freddy’s backstory.
Who has a cameo in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3?
Dick Cavett and Zsa Zsa Gabor made brief cameo appearances in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3.
What is Freddy’s famous catchphrase?
Freddy’s most famous line from Dream Warriors is “Welcome to prime time, bitch!” The line was not in the original script, it was an ad-lib from actor, Robert Englund.
Who wrote the music for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3?
The score for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 was written and performed by Angelo Badalamenti. The film’s theme song, ‘Dream Warriors’ was written and performed by American heavy metal band, Dokken.
Was Dream Warriors banned in Australia?
Yes. Nightmare 3 was initially banned in Queensland upon its release in 1987, due to its drug content. The ban was lifted in the 1990s.
How much money did Dream Warriors make?
According to Box Office Mojo, Dream Warriors achieved a box office take of $8,800,555 during its opening weekend in the US. By the end of its run the movie had made $44,793,222 (domestically).
How popular is A Nightmare on Elm Street 3?
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors currently has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 74%. This places the movie as the third most popular Nightmare entry, following 1984’s A Nightmare on Elm Street (94%) and 1994’s Wes Craven’s A New Nightmare (78%).
So, is Nightmare 3 your favourite entry in the Nightmare on Elm Street series or do you favour another Freddy tale? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, please let me know in the comments section below.
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