Friday the 13th Prequel Series Still Alive Amid A24 Cancellation Rumors

Despite recent claims to the contrary, A24 is reportedly still moving forward with its Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake.

In the May 6 InSneider newsletter, entertainment reporter Jeff Sneider claimed that A24 has halted development of its Friday the 13th television series. The report represents more bad news for the horror franchise that has spent 15 years without a new film release.

Jason Voorhees may yet have another chance at resurrection, as sources speaking to Bloody Disgusting insist that Crystal Lake was not axed by A24. “We have confirmed that the show is still happening, but there is indeed a reorganization of the project behind the scenes,” explains the publication.

As of this writing, A24 has yet to respond to rumors about the future of the property.

Friday the 13th (2009)

Crystal Lake has been optioned for a straight-to-series order by Peacock in late 2022. In addition to backing from A24, the Friday the 13th prequel had Hannibal showrunner Bryan Fuller on board to write and produce.

The original film’s screenwriter, Victor Miller, was also attached to the project, with the TV show expected to include Jason and his mother, Pamela. Actress Adrienne King, who played the final girl in the first film, reaffirmed her involvement in February 2024.

It’s unclear how much of the creative team remains in place amid the reported “retooling” process.

Jason hasn’t appeared on the big screen since 2009’s Friday the 13th reboot film. Much of the franchise’s dormancy was caused by a rights dispute between Victor Miller and director Sean S. Cunningham. The battle ended in 2021, with Miller retaining the rights to the first film, while Cunningham retained the intellectual property created in the sequels.