Something interesting is happening with the long-running Friday the 13th horror franchise as it will be getting a multimedia universe called Jason Universe.

This announcement comes from Horror, Inc. and it will reportedly include “new activations” for Friday the 13th content, which will span movies, TV, games, “immersive experiences,” merchandise offerings, and more.

They also launched a Jason Universe website where you will be able find announcement for these various activations, which will be teased “throughout 2024.” 

Robert Barsamian, President of Horror, Inc., said in a statement: “For decades, Jason shocked and thrilled audiences who kept coming back for more. We’re excited to work with Victor Miller and Marc Toberoff on new projects we’ll announce in the coming months.”

Robbie Barsamian, VP of Horror, Inc. added: “We’re focused on honoring the legacy while elevating the fan experience and appealing to today’s horror audiences as we develop new ways to watch, interact. and engage with the Jason Universe.”

Sheri Conn, Global GM of Horror, Inc. said in her own statement: “With the unique ability to remain at the forefront of pop culture for 44 years, Jason continues to top charts as one of the scariest villains of all time with strong global awareness across multiple generations thanks to billions of TikTok views plus millions and millions of gamers and movie fans. We can’t wait to introduce new Jason Universe activations to these amazing fans.”

This new comes as a Friday the 13th prequel TV series called Crystal Lake has been in development from Peacock and A24. Hannibal TV series creator Bryan Fuller was attached as showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer at one point – but he’s now no longer attached.

Scream movies veteran Kevin Williamson was also attached to Crystal Lake, but he’s not a part of the project anymore either. He said: “So sorry I won’t be a part of what would have been an epic Bryan Fuller show. Your pilot was so beautifully realized. A gorgeous [portrait] of a mother unraveling in her grief. Not to mention bloody horrific! I was so looking forward to our hour-long chase episode!”

It’s a shame that’s not the direction they are taking the series. Fuller previously said of the series: “We’re going to have roughly five times the per-episode budget that we had on Hannibal… It will absolutely be recognizable for the hardcore Friday the 13th fans, but will also have an appeal to people who are simply interested in top-shelf TV storytelling.”

Blumhouse has also said that they would like the opportunity to take a crack at a new movie, with producer Jason Blum saying: “Friday the 13th is what I would do. It’s not a Blumhouse project, but I’m trying to will it into being one. It’s just a piece of IP I’ve always loved.”

What do you think about this new Friday The 13th initiative that is being launched?

Source: IGN