John Carpenter, who directed Craven in the horror film Body Bags, released the following statement:
My friend Wes has left us too soon. He was truly an Old School director. I had a great time directing him. I'm REALLY gonna miss him.
Bob Weinstein of the Weinstein Company and Dimension Films also released a statement:
I am heartbroken at the news of Wes Craven's passing. We enjoyed a 20 year professional relationship and more importantly a warm and close friendship. He was a consummate filmmaker and his body of work will live on forever. My brother and I are eternally grateful for all his collaborations with us. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Craven had three television projects in the works at the time of his death, including a reboot of The People Under the Stairs as a television series. Universal Cable Productions released a statement to Deadline confirming that the shows will go on:
Wes Craven was a master artist, a gentleman and it was our pleasure to work with him. It is our intention to bring to life all the projects Wes developed at Universal Cable Productions. Thankfully these projects have benefitted greatly from his development and guidance since their inception. They will continue in his honor and spirit.
There was also an outpouring of support on Twitter, with actors like Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) and Courteney Cox (who appeared in Scream) showing their love alongside filmmakers like Eli Roth and Rob Zombie. Check out some tweets below.
RIP Wes Craven, my director, my friend. A brilliant, kind, gentle and very funny man. A sad day on Elm St and everywhere. I'll miss him.
— Robert B. Englund (@RobertBEnglund) August 31, 2015
#RIPWesCraven @wescraven @OfficialSGordon @RobZombie @eliroth pic.twitter.com/FttZT6XGmU
— 31 (@RobZombie31) August 31, 2015
Can't believe the news. Heartfelt sadness and deepest condolences with the passing of Wes Craven. Truly one of my biggest inspirations. #rip
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) August 31, 2015
Weren't we lucky to have that first Nightmare on Elm Street? Weren't we lucky to have Wes Craven?
— Joe Hill (@joe_hill) August 31, 2015
Shedding tears now. A giant has left us. #wescraven #always #liveon pic.twitter.com/t3ituQLgV1
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 31, 2015
R.I.P. to one of my all time heroes who was also truly one of the nicest people I ever had the good fortune to meet. pic.twitter.com/UNisaTRgFn
— Eli Roth (@eliroth) August 31, 2015
I've always had the deepest respect for @WesCraven and his ability to take his fans on a thrilling ride. Warmest regards to his loved ones.
— Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich) August 31, 2015
Very sad to hear about the passing of a legend and a founder of modern horror. See you in our dreams, Mr. Craven.
— Elijah Wood (@woodelijah) August 31, 2015
Today the world lost a great man, my friend and mentor, Wes Craven. My heart goes out to his family. x
— Courteney Cox (@CourteneyCox) August 31, 2015
Thank you for the dreams, the nightmares and all that wander in between, Mr. Craven. Rest in peace. Thank you for the heart in your art…
— Marcus Dunstan (@MarcusDunstan) August 31, 2015
Heartbroken about the loss of Wes Craven. He was an incredible inspiration as a director and, more so, a very kind man.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 31, 2015