Samuel Bayer has been hired to direct the "Nightmare on Elm Street" remake.

Yes, I said "What!?" too when I first heard the news.

Just when I was starting to feel better about this redo - based mainly on the good things I'm hearing about Platinum Dunes' remake of "Friday the 13th", and the fact that this new film is going to serve as somewhat of a prequel to Wes Craven's 1984 pic - an unproven music-video director is hired to reboot Freddo.

So... I guess we can expect a shitload of quick cuts, an array of techno tracks, and an ex-pop star as Nancy?

Look, no offence to Mr. Bayer, I'm sure he's a lovely bloke, but when your biggest claim-to-fame is directing Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" vid, it shouldn't automatically put you into contention to direct a remake of one of the greatest horror films of the 80s. Sure, Dave Grohl can be frightening at times... but Freddy Krueger's in a whole other league. Granted I did enjoy Bayer's film "Max" but there's nothing in it to warrant the appointment either. I just hope Bayer's gotten the job because he's presented the prod co with a terrific pitch, or series of amazing storyboards illustrating his plans for the pic, rather than Platinum Dunes simply hiring him because he's got a connection to Bret Michaels and that's who they want for Krueger.

The Hollywood Reporter has more