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Following months of speculation, New Line and Platinum Dunes have announced the director for their forthcoming Nightmare on Elm Street reboot, and rather than going for a famous name, they've instead plumped for a first-timer - Samuel Bayer.

The choice would seem to be a logical one however, as Bayer is a critically acclaimed music video director, crafting clips for the likes of Green Day, The Strokes and Marilyn Manson as well as Nirvana's iconic Smells Like Teen Spirit vid (in which the janitor always reminded a little of Freddy Krueger).

Platinum Dunes has apparently been courting Bayer for years, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, gave him Elm Street gig because they believed he could give the franchise the 'fresh visual look' it requires.

The hunt is now on for an actor to play child murderer Freddy. According to IGN's exclusive video interview with producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, original star Robert Englund has already turned down the part.

As the franchise will live or die on the strength of that central performance, the choice will therefore be a big one for the franchise.