Friday the 13th Franchise Returns with First New Movie in Nearly 20 Years

The iconic horror franchise Friday the 13th is set to release its 13th film, marking the first new installment in nearly two decades. Jason Voorhees, the series' infamous killer, is slated to return, with Steve Miner, a director familiar with the franchise, at the helm.

The film is expected to hit theaters in 2027, generating significant excitement among fans. This development is seen as part of a broader trend of long-running horror franchises being revived across various media.

Highlights

• The 13th Friday the 13th movie will be the first new film in the franchise in nearly 20 years.
• Steve Miner, who directed "Friday the 13th Part 2" and "Part III," will direct the new installment.
• David Fliegel is writing the script, and the film is anticipated for a 2027 release.
• Horror, Inc., the company controlling the franchise rights, will finance and produce the movie.
• This new film is part of the 'Jason Universe' initiative launched in 2024 to revive the franchise.

Details

The last Friday the 13th film was a 2009 reboot. This new movie will bring Jason Voorhees back to the big screen for fans who have been eagerly awaiting his return. Director Steve Miner's previous work on the franchise, including the 1981 and 1982 sequels, suggests a deep understanding of the series' lore and tone.

David Fliegel is penning the script, while Horror, Inc., owned by the Barsamian family who control the franchise, is handling production and financing. Horror, Inc. announced its 'Jason Universe' plans in 2024, aiming to revitalize the series, and this film is a crucial step in that broader strategy.

Recently, the prequel series "Crystal Lake" premiered on Peacock, offering new insights into Jason Voorhees' history and becoming one of the platform's top-performing original scripted debuts. This series further expands the universe that the new film will build upon.

Why it matters

This announcement comes at a time when long-running horror franchises are experiencing a resurgence across movies, TV shows, and video games. The return of Friday the 13th is a significant indicator of this trend, promising exciting new content for horror enthusiasts. Furthermore, comprehensive plans like the 'Jason Universe' provide a long-term vision for the future of the franchise, suggesting a sustained presence for Jason Voorhees in popular culture.