Imagine the frustration of horror fans everywhere: It's been a staggering 16 years since Jason Voorhees last stalked the silver screen, and we're still waiting for his iconic hockey mask to make a comeback. This enduring absence feels almost surreal, especially considering how the 2009 reboot was a hit both critically and at the box office. But here's where it gets controversial – pesky rights disputes threw a wrench into the works, blocking any new installments despite the franchise's proven popularity. Fortunately, those legal battles are now resolved, paving the way for fresh Jason content. Yet, inexplicably, there's been radio silence on a brand-new movie. Sure, we've got a thrilling maze featuring him at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights (keep an eye out for our upcoming review of that attraction), and even a cheeky Hard Cider commercial starring the killer himself (check it out at https://www.joblo.com/sweet-revenge-review/). But a full-fledged film? Crickets. And this is the part most people miss – in a genre that thrives on nostalgia and scares, why the delay?
Let's dive into the latest buzz that's got fans buzzing. Recent reports (detailed at https://www.joblo.com/adam-scherr-jason-voorhees/) suggest former WWE superstar Braun Strowman, whose real name is Adam Scherr, might be the next actor to don the mask. Now, for beginners unfamiliar with the franchise, Friday the 13th is a classic slasher series where Jason, a vengeful undead killer, terrorizes camp counselors and teens in over-the-top, gory ways – think chainsaws, machetes, and endless chases through the woods. It's a staple of 1980s horror that defined the 'slasher' subgenre, much like how Michael Myers in Halloween or Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street became icons. So, could Scherr, known for his imposing physique in wrestling, step into Jason's boots? Absolutely, it's a plausible idea, and I'm all for casting someone with that larger-than-life presence – it fits the character's intimidating stature. But let's be real: the 'news' seems to stem more from Scherr himself promoting the rumor rather than any solid confirmation from producers. There's no hard evidence that studios are seriously considering him, making this feel like self-generated hype. It's intriguing, but at this stage, his involvement appears to be more wishful thinking than reality. What do you think – is this just clever marketing, or could a wrestler really bring something fresh to the role?
Shifting gears, all eyes are on A24's upcoming series, Crystal Lake (learn more at https://www.joblo.com/crystal-lake-everything-we-know/), which is currently filming and promises to explore the Voorhees family's dark origins. Linda Cardellini, beloved for her roles in shows like Scooby-Doo and ER, stars as Pamela Voorhees, Jason's deranged mother. For those new to the lore, Pamela is the tragic figure who, driven mad by grief, becomes the catalyst for Jason's rampage in the original films. The production team is going all out, shooting in the authentic locations from the first movie – the quaint town in New Jersey and the infamous Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, where so much mayhem unfolded. They've cast Callum Vinson as a young Jason, capturing his early, vulnerable days, but the real intrigue lies with Zachary Branch portraying the adult version. Given Pamela's fragile mental state, this adult Jason could be a hallucination or a psychological manifestation. However, all indications suggest he'll be a tangible presence by the end of the season, potentially setting up bigger things. And here's where it gets controversial again – my personal hunch is that the show might evolve in its second season to center on Jason himself, testing a TV format for the character. This could be a smart pivot if the first season's approach doesn't captivate audiences, offering a fresh angle on the mythos. But dammit, I crave a cinematic return! Picture this: a new film set against the backdrop of a bustling summer camp, with Jason unleashing his trademark brutality on unsuspecting counselors. It's the essence of what makes Friday the 13th timeless – simple, visceral thrills that don't require deep plots or high budgets.
If there's one franchise that's easy to keep alive, it's this one. Even the weaker entries, like Jason Takes Manhattan (a personal favorite for its absurd, over-the-top boat-based chaos), have dedicated fans. You don't need Oscar-worthy scripts; just deliver the basics – masked killer, isolated setting, and plenty of creative kills. Yet, I've chatted with plenty of enthusiasts who argue, 'We've seen a dozen films doing the same thing; why not innovate?' And my counterpoint is this: It's been way too long since a proper Friday the 13th movie graced theaters, so we need to reintroduce Jason and his signature tropes to a new generation first. Think of it like rebooting a beloved video game – you start with the core mechanics before adding twists. Once we've hooked younger viewers with the familiar scares, then we can experiment. After all, look at how Art the Clown from the Terrifier series has exploded in popularity; audiences love a relentless murderer who escalates the mayhem in increasingly wild, unpredictable ways. It's proof that there's still a massive appetite for this style of horror.
Are you pumped for Crystal Lake, or do you share my impatience for a movie? Do you believe a new Friday the 13th film is on the horizon soon, or are we doomed to wait forever? And who would you cast as the next Jason – someone like Braun Strowman, or a fresh face? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's debate!
About the Author
Critic
Favorite Movies: Se7en, Halloween, Scream, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Back To The Future, Battle Royale, Jaws, The Social Network, Friday the 13th, American Movie, anything Tarantino, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Evil Dead, The Batman, The Shining, No Country For Old Men, T2, Boyhood, Ed Wood, Jurassic Park, Wild at Heart
Likes: Horror, Movies, Writing, Guitar, the MCU, 'So Bad They're Good' Movies, Video Games, Spider-man, Whiskey, Professional Wrestling, Hockey, Football, Star Wars, world domination, Jeopardy, Silence
