Watchmen star Jackie Earle Haley has reportedly signed up for a remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street.

The actor will star as iconic slasher Freddie Krueger, played by Robert England in the 1984 original.

Producer Brad Fuller said: "He was the only person we ever considered for the role. He is a huge fan of horror, and well aware of the rightful place Freddy Krueger holds in the horror pantheon. Quite simply, he knows what he has to do, and is very up to the task."

Based on the story by Wes Craven, it spawned eight films and two TV series at the height of its popularity.

Filming begins in Chicago next month and it's set to be released in April 2010.

Haley will next be seen alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the film, Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese.

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