The eagerly awaited revival of the iconic Friday the 13th franchise is gaining momentum with exciting developments in the Crystal Lake series. Linda Cardellini is set to play the role of Pamela Voorhees, the notorious mother of Jason Voorhees. However, fans still yearn for a full-fledged return of Jason to the big screen. This desire comes amidst ongoing legal disputes over franchise rights that have delayed any new cinematic ventures. Sean S. Cunningham, the director of the 1980 original film, has expressed that a new Friday the 13th movie remains a distant possibility.
Despite this uncertainty, the newly announced “Jason Universe” is creating buzz. Revealed in May 2024, the concept aims to expand beyond traditional films, yet it currently does not include full-length movies in its offerings. Instead, fans can anticipate a short film titled Sweet Revenge, directed by Mike P. Nelson, who previously rejuvenated another horror franchise with the Wrong Turn reboot.
Sweet Revenge is being touted as a key component of the franchise’s grand celebration for its 45th anniversary. The production has commenced this month, and fans will have the chance to watch it on the Jason Universe YouTube channel. It will also be accessible via a dedicated microsite hosted by Angry Orchard Hard Cider, a collaboration that aims to introduce something fresh for the audience.
Nelson is an excellent choice for bringing new life into this beloved franchise, and we are cautiously optimistic. However, the partnership with Angry Orchard raises eyebrows. Matt Withington, the senior director of marketing at Angry Orchard, stated, “Angry Orchard fans love bold, unexpected entertainment—especially horror—so this partnership just made sense. It’s a way to celebrate 45 years of an iconic franchise while creating new experiences for our drinkers.”
This commercial collaboration does feel a bit forced for some fans, however. Funding often comes from unconventional sources, and at least this partnership is with a brand that professes a love for horror. Still, it raises questions about how product placement will manifest within the short film’s narrative.
Are you excited for what’s next in the Jason franchise? Let us know if you think Sweet Revenge will do justice to the legacy of Jason Voorhees.
What is the status of the Friday the 13th movie franchise? As it stands, the rights to the franchise are tangled in legal disputes, with a new full-length film appearing unlikely in the near future.
Will Sweet Revenge be a full-length film? No, Sweet Revenge is a short-form vignette rather than a full film, aimed at celebrating the 45th anniversary of the franchise.
Where can I watch Sweet Revenge? Fans will be able to watch Sweet Revenge on the Jason Universe YouTube channel and a dedicated microsite by Angry Orchard Hard Cider.
How is the “Jason Universe” different from previous iterations of Friday the 13th? The “Jason Universe” encompasses a range of platforms, including entertainment, gaming, and merchandise, rather than focusing solely on films.
Will the partnership with Angry Orchard affect the quality of the content? While partnerships can introduce commercial elements, they may also enable creative projects like Sweet Revenge that without funding might not see the light of day.
For those who can’t get enough of all things horror, stay tuned and explore more related content on Moyens I/O.