The machete-wielding killer’s return to our screens has encountered a potential setback. According to reports, A24 has temporarily shelved plans for Crystal Lake, the highly anticipated Friday the 13th prequel series slated for Peacock.
First announced in 2022, Crystal Lake promised to explore the origins of the iconic horror franchise, delving into the events that preceded the infamous Camp Crystal Lake massacres. The series was being spearheaded by Hannibal’s Brian Fuller, who had previously teased the creative freedom afforded by the project, hinting at the possibility of venturing into uncharted territories, including outer space.
However, Jeff Sneider’s report on his blog, The InSneider, suggests that A24 has hit pause on the project, at least for the time being. While the reason behind this decision remains unclear, and A24 has yet to comment officially, it raises concerns about the future of Crystal Lake.
Despite the legal complexities surrounding the Friday the 13th intellectual property, which have prevented new films or shows from materializing for over a decade, Fuller had previously expressed optimism about the series’ potential. He claimed that A24 and Victor Miller’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, had meticulously assembled all the necessary rights, granting them unrestricted access to the franchise’s rich mythology.
With the last canonical Friday the 13th film being 2009’s remake, and Jason’s most recent appearance being the 2003 crossover Freddy vs. Jason, fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic slasher. While this reported setback may dampen spirits temporarily, the enduring popularity of the franchise suggests that Jason Voorhees may yet find a way to resurface, leaving a trail of bloodshed in his wake.
