Robert Englund makes a timely appearance in the latest season of Stranger Things, with the latest episodes being hugely inspired by his iconic Nightmare on Elm Street movies. The 74-year-old actor first played the dream monster Freddy Krueger almost 40 years ago and went on to play the role through to the 2003 Freddy vs. Jason crossover movie and reprising his role a few years ago in a Halloween special of The Goldbergs. While participating in a recent interview with The Guardian, the horror legend explained how his greatest creation still gives him nightmares.

Despite the role being taken over by Jackie Earle Haley in the 2010 reboot of the franchise, fans unanimously confirmed that while some mask-wearing horror characters can be easily replaced, Robert Englund will always be Freddy Krueger. During his Q&A session, Englund recounted the time he scared himself while in make-up during the filming of the original movie and said the moment still haunts his dreams. He said:

“On part one, I didn’t have my movie star trailer; I had a little tiny honeywagon about the size of a urinal, with a Formica table, a plastic chair and a mirror with lightbulbs around it – the classic backstage makeup room. The lights were on a dimmer. I had them turned down low when I was taking a nap at about 4am, with my head resting on a tightly rolled towel so I wouldn’t smear my makeup. I was waiting to be called on set and heard this banging on the door. As I sat up, I saw this disfigured face looking back at me in the mirror. The shock made me jump out of my skin. I brought my hand up and I realised: “Oh my God, it’s my own reflection!” But it was such a startling moment that it still inhabits a variety of nightmares.”

Related: Stranger Things' Freddy Krueger Nod Features Robert Englund

Stranger Things Season 4 Features Many Elm Street References

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Netflix

As well as making an appearance as Victor Creel in Stranger Things’ fourth season, the Netflix hit show has included a number of references to Robert Englund’s Freddy Krueger. From a villain that creates a dream-like reality for his victims, to the involvement of Nancy in the revelation of the villain’s origins, there are plenty of evident and subtle nods to the 1984 horror movie and its legacy.

Being based in the 80s, Stranger Things has become a smorgasbord of references to the movies of the decade, from the early seasons tributes to Ghostbusters, E.T. and The Goonies, to the darker turn in seasons 3 and 4, which has moved on to movies like Aliens and now A Nightmare on Elm Street, there is a real question over where it is possible for the final season to go. However, the Duffer Brothers have made it clear that there has always been a plan for the series as a whole, and no one expects them to drop the ball as they conclude the series in the next year or so.