Listen up, all you Friday the 13th fanatics! Horror Inc. is celebrating the 45th anniversary with a brand-new look for our leading man, Jason Voorhees, and Adweek got the exclusive scoop!
They brought in Greg Nicotero, the special effects wizard behind “The Walking Dead,” to help reimagine the iconic slasher for something called the Jason Universe. That’s gonna be a massive, multi-platform expansion of the Friday the 13th franchise, all coming straight from the original owners themselves.
Rob Barsamian, the president of Horror, Inc., said they’re all about keeping Jason’s classic vibe while pushing things forward with a fresh look and feel for his next chapter. He also mentioned they’re teaming up with familiar and new voices in the franchise to get that perfect balance.
“We gave Greg our new 13-hole mask and worked together on this full-body look that embodies classic Jason,” he explained. “He’s a strong, towering and terrifying slasher with a machete, his weapon of choice.”
Marc Toberoff from Friday the 13th LLC is just as stoked. “It’s incredibly exciting to bring Jason Voorhees back into the lives of fans in such a bold and fresh way,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be working alongside Horror, Inc. on this next chapter of the franchise and Jason’s legacy, and we share their passion. Together, we’re making sure this return delivers everything longtime fans have been craving—while opening the door for an entirely new generation.” Sounds like they’re serious about doing this right!
So, where does this Jason Universe kick off? The launchpad will be Peacock’s upcoming prequel series, “Crystal Lake,” starring Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees. Sheri Conn, the chief marketing officer at Horror, Inc., hints at bigger plans, including a return to the big screen and beyond!
“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,” Conn teased. “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.” Color me intrigued!
Horror, Inc. recently partnered with Striker Entertainment, a licensing agency, to handle global merchandise. They’re looking for even more brand partners to bring Jason into all sorts of cool stuff outside of movies and TV.
Conn emphasized that their long-term vision is to continue building on the franchise’s legendary history with partners who understand their goals and the importance of staying true to Jason’s roots.
Robbie Barsamian, the executive vice president at Horror, Inc., summed it up perfectly: “Jason has not only earned his spot within horror, but he has significantly shaped the medium itself and the ways in which audiences interact with the villains that have shaped their nightmares. We know fans are eager for more Jason stories and experiences. And—as we celebrate 45 years of his iconic history—we’re excited to show him off in this new era.”
It sounds like they’re not just rehashing the past but building a new playground for Jason to terrorize us in! Get ready, Friday the 13th fans – the Jason Universe is coming, and it sounds like it’s gonna be epic! See Jason in all his (new) glory below, and the new logo reveal below.
