FRIDAY THE 13TH: Jason Voorhees Gets an Official Redesign for New Movies, Shows, and Games
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Friday the 13th franchise, Horror Inc. has unveiled a first look at the redesigned slasher icon, and the update strikes a careful balance between the past and the future.
The reveal came via Adweek, alongside some long-awaited insight into what’s next for the machete-wielding killer across film, television, and gaming.
Rob Barsamian, president of Horror, Inc. said:
“We strive to maintain Jason’s original essence, while continuing to move toward the future with a defined look and feel that takes Jason into his next chapter.”
That “next chapter” includes a unified brand initiative called the Jason Universe, an expansive plan that aims to resurrect the franchise in multiple formats. Leading the charge is Crystal Lake, a prequel series set to debut on Peacock. But fans can also expect new movies, immersive experiences, and video games on the horizon.
FX legend Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead) was brought in to help reimagine Jason’s look, which includes the classic hockey mask and machete is firmly in hand, and while Jason’s frame is slightly leaner, he’s still every bit the silent stalker who’s been haunting Camp Crystal Lake for decades.
Sheri Conn, chief marketing officer of Horror, Inc. said in a statement:
“We’re listening to fans and actively developing a slate under the Jason Universe banner that spans new movies, gaming, immersive experiences, collectibles and more.
“Our film franchise is one of the most enduring horror properties in cinematic history, and we’re actively reimagining what the next chapter—and the slasher genre overall—can become.”
The prequel series will explore the early days of Camp Crystal Lake, with Linda Cardellini playing Pamela Voorhees. Whether or not we’ll see young Jason’s tragic “death” or a full-on slasher rampage by season’s end remains to be seen, but the groundwork is clearly being laid for him to return in full force.
