Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is well on its way with filming wrapped and the first trailer now out. The horror sequel sees all of the main characters from the original return to deal with a new threat. Judging by the first teaser too, this will include some new terrifying animatronics joining the Freddy Fazbear line-up. As well as some key plot details and casting news, we also know quite a lot about when the upcoming horror movie will make it to our screens.
Not only has a release date been confirmed but it's not too far away either. For all you need to know about that, as well as the latest on details like casting, exclusive insights from the stars, and the latest news on the movie's plot, read on for our ultimate guide to Five Nights at Freddy's 2. And while you're here, why not also check out our list of all the most exciting upcoming horror movies coming in 2025.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 release date
Over two years after the first movie hit screens, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is due to release on December 5, 2025.
After the movie was confirmed in January 2024, filming on the sequel started around Halloween last year, with stars Josh Hutcherson and Matthew Lillard back on set. Filming wrapped in February 2025.
The December release schedule unfortunately means fans won't get to watch the sequel during spooky season like they did with the original. But, if Terrifier 3 has taught us anything, it's that horror movies can still be just as enjoyable during the festive period.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 cast speculation
Although the first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie had a relatively small cast, it looks like the majority will be returning, despite Vanessa being in a coma at the end of the film and her killer dad seemingly murdered by the animatronics. But as Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is thought to either be set in the past or at least include some flashback scenes, it looks like anyone could return.
Thanks to the star being very vocal about the movie, we know that Josh Hutcherson is returning as Mike Schmidt. We also know that Matthew Lillard, who plays the movie’s villain William Afton, will appear in the sequel as the star shared a shot of himself dressed as Springrap captioned "December 2025. I ALWAYS COME BACK."
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Lillard explained how excited he is to return to the franchise. “I'm thrilled to be a part of it. I'm thrilled to give them the next iteration of the story. I think they're gonna love it," said the star. “The reality is that I've been so lovingly embraced by the FNAF community that It's really humbling.”
As for Afton’s daughter Vanessa, social media star Dawko posted a behind-the-scenes image of Afton standing at the top of a staircase watching over Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail). However, many believe that this was a flashback scene, so it is not certain how much we will see of the Afton family in the sequel.
Some new cast members are joining too, but we don't yet know who they'll be playing.
As of this moment, the expected cast list for Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is as follows:
- Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt
- Piper Rubio as Abby Schmidt
- Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa
- Matthew Lillard as William Afton
- Wayne Knight
- Mckenna Grace
- Teo Briones
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 plot speculation
Nothing has been revealed about the Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 plot yet, but that hasn't stopped the creators from messing with us, even going as far as to release fake scripts and have fans guess which one could be real.
Even the first teaser trailer reveals very little aside from the fact that William Afton is back and causing more issues for the main trio of Mike, Abby, and Vanessa. Balloon Boy will also appear (after the Five Nights at Freddy's post-credits tease) as well as more killer animatronics.
We had initially wondered if the sequel could follow along the lines of the second game, introducing a new location and pizzeria. The second game followed a different security guard entirely and was set before the events of the original. However, after seeing the first trailer, we know it will continue with the story set up in the first movie.
We also know for sure is that the upcoming movie will be "scarier than the first instalment," according to star Josh Hutcherson. He told Esquire: "It’s much bigger, the stakes are higher. There’s more animatronics being brought in, different animatronics being brought in, and the world just opens up in a big way." Similarly, Lillard told Entertainment Tonight that the sequel will be more "action-packed" and "fan-centric" than the first, following some criticism over the first Five Nights at Freddy’s movie.
Is there a Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 trailer yet?
Yes, the first teaser trailer for Five Nights at Freddy's 2 has been released, and it's pretty creepy. While it gives very little away, we see Vanessa and Mike reunited as she warns that the animatronics are still out there. "Where?" Mike wonders, to which she chillingly replies, "Everywhere". Yikes.
The teaser trailer also features a fair few kills with both Wayne Knight and Mckenna Grace looking in danger. We then see Balloon Boy and have a very quick glimpse at William Afton lingering at the end of a corridor. "It's showtime," he ominously says at the end of the clip. You can watch it above.
There's no word yet on when a full trailer will drop but we expect it will arrive in the next few months, closer to the December 2025 release date.
For more, check out our list of the best horror movies and the best video game movies.
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