The iconic horror franchise is getting a new twist! Friday the 13th, the classic slasher series, is making its way to the small screen with a brand-new TV show, and the excitement is building.
But here's the catch: the series, titled Crystal Lake, has had a bumpy road to production. It was announced on Halloween 2022 that the original screenwriter, Victor Miller, had teamed up with a stellar team to bring this prequel series to life. However, things took an unexpected turn when showrunner Bryan Fuller and his collaborator Jim Danger Gray were fired in April 2024.
And this is where it gets intriguing... The project quickly got back on track with a new showrunner, Brad Caleb Kane, who is also co-showrunner and executive producer of the highly anticipated It prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry. Filming began in June 2024, and it's already generating buzz.
The series will premiere on Peacock in the US, but the big news is that Sky and its streaming service Now have secured the rights to bring Crystal Lake to the UK and Ireland in 2026. Katie Keenan, Group Director of Acquisitions for Sky UK and Europe, expressed their enthusiasm: "We're thrilled to bring this iconic franchise to our customers..." The show promises to delve into the backstory of the franchise, offering a unique perspective.
The production has been filming under the code name Mama's Boy, and various locations in New Jersey have been transformed into the eerie setting of Crystal Lake. The cast features a mix of fresh faces and familiar characters from the original film. Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees, Jason's vengeful mother, and the show includes legacy characters like Dorf, the motorcycle cop from the 1980 movie.
But wait, there's more! The series will also feature young Jason Voorhees, played by Callum Vinson, and an adult version of the character, reportedly appearing in one episode. Brad Caleb Kane is not only the showrunner but also the creator, writer, and executive producer, leaving fans curious about his creative vision.
Here's where it gets controversial: Deadline reports that the show's version of Pamela may portray her as a mother who gave up her singing career to raise a special needs child, taking a dark turn after her loss. This interpretation could spark interesting discussions among fans.
With an impressive production team and a talented cast, Crystal Lake is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Are you excited for this new take on the classic franchise? Do you think the show will do justice to the original film? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
