Paramount secures Freddy Krueger rights as Scream celebrates 30th anniversary at Midsummer Scream

Paramount Pictures announced it has reached an agreement with the heirs of Wes Craven—widow Iya Labunka and son Jonathan Craven—to acquire the American rights to a new adaptation of the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise. The deal ends years of legal uncertainty and will see the film developed by Paramount Primal, the studio’s genre division led by J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules.

Separately, the annual Midsummer Scream convention in Long Beach will host a weekend‑long tribute to the 30th anniversary of Wes Craven’s 1996 horror film "Scream." The event, organized by Paramount Scares, will feature original cast members, a recreation of the fictional Bradley Video store, and exclusive meet‑and‑greet opportunities with voice actor Roger L. Jackson, the iconic Ghostface.

Both announcements highlight renewed activity around classic horror franchises, with Paramount investing in new film development while also promoting fan‑focused celebrations of past hits.