After a labyrinthine journey of over 16 years mired in legal battles, Jason Voorhees is finally sharpening his machete for a triumphant return to the big screen in a new Friday the 13th movie. Director Mike P. Nelson has confirmed that a new film is actively being developed under the recently launched Jason Universe banner.
More than a decade since the last theatrical release, movement on a new Friday the 13th movie has been confirmed from within the franchise's newly launched Jason Universe initiative. Although ongoing rights issues prevent the film from being titled Friday the 13th, the project is still positioned as the first true cinematic return for Jason Voorhees in over a decade.
During the rollout of his Silent Night, Deadly Night remake, Nelson revealed that the Jason Universe team is actively developing the movie. "They are working on it, I can promise you," he said. "I've heard of it, and because I have that direct communication with them, it's there. So that's really happening." He further added, "And yes, they have reached out to me about it. As have other people. I can't say too much, but I will say that I have given my two cents, I have given them my take, and right now it's in their court and we'll go from there."
This confirmation aligns with earlier statements from Horror Inc. vice president Robbie Barsamian, who told Bloody Disgusting that a new sequel movie and game were at the top of their priority list.
Nelson's potential involvement suggests that the new Friday the 13th movie could be part of ushering in a new era. The director champions an innovative approach to established franchises, stating, "Why the original content worked so well is because somebody went out and did something, you know what I mean?" While it is unclear if his feature will expand on the story from his short story Sweet Revenge, this project is a major part of the larger Jason Universe initiative.
