Is Freddy Krueger based on a true story?

Answer 1

The Freddy Krueger character is not based on any real-life serial killer, no. Wes Craven got the idea for the character from a homeless man who scared him really badly when he was a kid. The man wore a similar sweater and hat as Freddy. Craven was hanging out in his room, when he noticed that this vagrant on the street below was standing there, staring in the window at him. The man stood there staring at him for a really long time, which would be creepy for anyone, much less a small child.

Answer 2

Not exactly. The idea for the movie came to Wes Craven when he read an article about a person who literally died of fright in their sleep. This inspired him to write the movie. The look of Freddy was based on an old hobo that came by Wes's home when he was a child. The hobo's looks terrified Wes so that's how Freddy should look. Everything else is pure fiction though.

Answer 3

No.