FNAF 2's Darker Tone Shocks Lillard, PG-13 Rating Confirmed

FNAF 2's Darker Tone Shocks Lillard, PG-13 Rating Confirmed
Matthew Lillard as William Afton in Five Nights at Freddy's 2, reacting to its dark tone.

The highly anticipated sequel, Five Nights At Freddy's 2, is poised to terrify audiences, with its darker tone already prompting returning star Matthew Lillard to question its rating. Director Emma Tammi has confirmed that despite the heightened scares, the film will maintain its PG-13 classification to ensure accessibility for younger fans. The sequel is set to hit theaters on Friday, December 5, aiming to replicate the massive box office success of its predecessor.

Matthew Lillard's R-Rating Scare

Matthew Lillard, who reprises his role as William Afton, was so taken aback by the intensity of Five Nights At Freddy's 2 that he personally reached out to director Emma Tammi. According to Tammi, Lillard's exact words were, "It's so scary… Is this still PG-13?" This anecdote highlights the significant shift in tone for the new installment, promising a more chilling experience for fans.

Balancing Inclusivity with Intensified Horror

Director Emma Tammi elaborated on the creative decisions behind the sequel's darker direction while emphasizing the commitment to its PG-13 rating. Tammi noted that while the new film undoubtedly boasts a grittier atmosphere than the original, her primary goal was to keep it inclusive for the franchise's extensive younger fanbase. She confidently stated that "audiences that maybe wanted the first one to go to scarier places will be really satisfied," further adding, "We wanted to be inclusive of the younger audiences, and at the same time, we don't want to limit how dark and scary it can feel for the older audiences." This strategic approach aims to deliver a broader appeal, satisfying both long-time fans craving deeper horror and new viewers.

Returning and New Talent Elevate the Ensemble

Five Nights At Freddy's 2 brings back key cast members while introducing a fresh roster of talent to the haunted pizzeria universe.
Returning stars include:

  • Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt, the former Freddy Fazbear's Pizza security guard.
  • Piper Rubio as Abby, Mike's sister.
  • Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa, daughter of Lillard's William Afton.

The sequel also welcomes several exciting new additions to the cast:

  • Wayne Knight
  • Mckenna Grace
  • Skeet Ulrich, reuniting with his Scream co-star, Matthew Lillard.

The voice cast for the animatronics is also expanding with notable names:

  • Megan Fox will voice Toy Chica.
  • Kellen Goff provides the voice for Toy Freddy.
  • The Game Theorists YouTube channel host MatPat will lend his voice to Toy Bonnie.

Release Date and Box Office Ambitions

Five Nights At Freddy's 2 is scheduled to premiere in theaters on Friday, December 5. The original film achieved an impressive $297.1 million worldwide at the box office, setting a high bar for the sequel. With its darker tone and a bolstered cast, the second installment aims to not only meet but potentially exceed this significant financial benchmark.

For fans looking to dive deeper into the lore, Five Nights At Freddy's Ultimate Guide Version 2.0 is already available in bookstores, having launched on December 2.