A New FRIDAY THE 13TH Movie Is Happening and One Director Has Already Thrown His Mask into the Ring
It looks like Jason Voorhees is sharpening the machete again. A new Friday the 13th movie is officially in development and this time the update comes from someone who has been working inside the freshly launched Jason Universe.
Director Mike P. Nelson, who helmed the recent official short film Sweet Revenge, has confirmed that the long awaited return to the big screen is real and not another rumor horror fans will chase in circles.
/Film caught up with Nelson while talking about his new remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night, which screened at Fantastic Fest. Since he was the filmmaker behind Sweet Revenge, their conversation drifted to the state of the franchise and whether the short had been a hint of something larger.
Nelson could not spill everything, but what he did reveal is enough to spark some excitement with fans. He said:
"They are working on it, that I can promise you, because I've heard of it and because I have that direct communication with them, it's there. So that's really happening. And yes, they have reached out [to me about it].
“As have other people. I can't say too much, but I will say that I have given my two cents, I have given them my take, and right now it's in their court and we'll go from there."
That confirms not only that a new Friday the 13th movie is moving forward, but that Nelson has already pitched his vision to the producers. It lines up with comments from Horror Inc. vice president Robbie Barsamian who previously said:
"I can tell you that a new sequel movie and new sequel game are at the top of our list. It's where most of our energy's going right now."
What Nelson’s take looks like is still a mystery. Sweet Revenge offered a slick and vicious slice of Crystal Lake mayhem, starring stunt performer Schuyler White as Jason while Ally Ioannides played Eve, a final girl whose fate took a wild turn in the last moments.
The short ends right as it hints at a larger showdown, leaving the door open for a continuation or a complete reimagining. Nelson has been fearless with franchises before with his 2021 Wrong Turn reboot and his daring approach to Silent Night, Deadly Night, so it is not surprising to hear him describe how he deals with long running series. He explained to the outlet:
"I think a lot of IP loses its luster because it's way too 'holier than thou' and 'we need to be careful.' Dude, get over it, man. Get out there and try something.
“That's the reason why the original content worked so well is because somebody went out and did something, you know what I mean? And they did something that was different. So why not do something different?"
If his pitch is chosen, do not expect a by the numbers Jason outing. Nelson seems ready to shake things up rather than repeat the usual beats.
Whatever direction the producers choose, the important part is that the franchise is finally thawing after years locked in a legal freeze. While Peacock continues production on its prequel series Crystal Lake, that project is unrelated to the movie now taking shape.
For the first time in a long while, the path back to Camp Crystal Lake looks clear. Jason is coming home and horror fans might soon see what fresh carnage awaits.