I assumed that Five Nights at Freddy's 2 would ignore one key element from the video game sequel, but I am surprised to see that the film has seemingly included it. While the first Five Nights at Freddy's movie was fun, it wasn't exactly a completely faithful adaptation of the video game, with it telling an original story that is surrounded by the esthetics of Five Nights at Freddy's. However, the sequel story that it set up was seemingly far different than the story of the second video game, but Five Nights at Freddy's 2 has managed to merge them.

The Freddy and the other deadly animatronics were confined to Freddy Fazbear's Pizza in the first film, this isn't the case in Five Nights at Freddy's 2. The animatronics are now able to go anywhere, with them being shown in people's houses and even at a fair in the teaser. This makes them a much bigger threat then before, but it also proves that the movie series isn't directly adapting the story of the second video game.

Five Nights At Freddy's 2 Isn't A Prequel Movie Like The FNAF 2 Video Game

It Continues The Story Of The First Film

As it turns out, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 the movie isn't a prequel, while Five Nights at Freddy's 2 the game is a prequel. Based on the teaser for the second movie, it is clear that Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is continuing the story of the 2023 film. The teaser features continued story elements and characters, such as Josh Hutcherson's Mike Schmidt. Matthew Lillard is set to return as William Afton, continuing the major villain reveal from the first Five Nights at Freddy's movie as well. Based on what has been seen so far, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is clearly a sequel.

While the story of the Five Nights at Freddy's games isn't the most important part, it is pretty clear that the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 video game is a prequel. The game features mentions of it being 1987, meaning that it could be happening before or during the legendary Bite of '87. The game also discusses the reopening of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza with the old animatronics, something that sets up the story of the first game. In the world of the games, Fazbear Entertainment downsized after the murder of several kids in the second game, leading to the story of the first Five Nights at Freddy's.

The prequel aspect of Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is pretty confusing, and it is something that most don't notice unless they dig into the lore of the games. Because of this, many franchise fans expected the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 movie to completely skip this aspect. The prequel storyline is already confusing enough, and continuing the story from the first film seemed like a better path for the movie series. While Five Nights at Freddy's 2 isn't a prequel story, it may have some prequel elements, however.

Five Nights At Freddy's 2 Seemingly Also Has A Prequel Story Still

Based On This Yellow Rabbit Teaser

As it turns out, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 seemingly has a prequel story alongside its main story. The teaser for the sequel shows off a glimpse of the Yellow Rabbit's hand picking up a knife. The Yellow Rabbit is the suit that William Afton uses, and while this shot could be an image of him as Springtrap, the state of the hand makes it seem more likely that this is the Yellow Rabbit. If this is the case, then this is probably a flashback scene, showing William Afton's early years in the animatronic suit.

On top of that, one Five Nights at Freddy's 2 theory hints that there could be even more prequel content in the second movie. Actress McKenna Grace has been cast in an undisclosed role in Five Nights at Freddy's 2, and there is no hint yet as to who she could be. However, it has been theorized that McKenna Grace will be playing a young version of Elizabeth Lail's character, Vanessa Shelly. This would mean that the film will feature even more flashbacks, possibly covering some of the story from the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 video game.

Five Nights At Freddy's Showed How The Sequel Can Easily Include A Prequel Setting

Based On The First Movie's Dream Sequences

Interestingly, the first Five Nights at Freddy's movie has already shown how the sequel can perfectly feature elements of the video game's prequel story. In the first film, Mike has several dreams that show off some traumatic moments from his past. It is eventually revealed that the ghost children who possess the animatronics can influence Mike's dreams, providing him with information and talking to him about the history of Fazbear Entertainment and William Afton.

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 could see these ghost children give Mike more information, using these dream scenes to show off flashbacks. The ghost children could also go into Vanessa's dreams, setting up the flashbacks that require a younger actress to play her. These dream scenes are a major part of the first Five Nights at Freddy's, and it would be a big mistake for the sequel to completely ignore them.

Five Nights At Freddy's 2's Prequel Storyline Is A Fun Way To Honor The Game

It Is The Best Of Both Worlds

It would be a shame for Five Nights at Freddy's 2 to not feature a prequel storyline, as it is the perfect way to honor the second video game. Having the second movie be a full prequel would not have been the right choice, as it wouldn't have built on the ending of 2023's Five Nights at Freddy's movie. However, flashbacks mean that the second movie can have the best of both worlds, continuing the main story while providing more context and background information.

Some fans of the video games weren't happy that 2023's Five Nights at Freddy's was light on the lore. Ignoring the prequel storyline in Five Nights at Freddy's 2 would have only made these criticisms worse, as the backstory of Fazbear Entertainment is what most of the franchise's lore is built on. Thus, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 needs to find the proper balance, and the dream sequences could allow for this.