The eagerly anticipated prequel series to the iconic horror franchise "Friday the 13th," produced by Peacock and A24, has secured its leading lady with the casting of Linda Cardellini. She will take center stage in "Crystal Lake," a dramatic endeavor set against the backdrop of events that propelled the slasher genre into the mainstream. Cardellini will embody the chilling figure of Pamela Voorhees, the mother of the indestructible killer Jason Voorhees (and the orchestrator of the infamous murders in the original 1980 film). For now, the specifics of the plot remain shrouded in mystery.
"Crystal Lake" has been in development for quite some time. Peacock greenlit the series in 2022, with Bryan Fuller initially signed on as the writer and showrunner. However, Fuller parted ways with the project in May 2024, confirming his exit and noting that A24 "opted for a different creative direction."
In August, Brad Caleb Kane ("It: Welcome to Derry") boarded the series, donning the hats of creator, writer, and showrunner, hinting that the material Fuller and other writers had worked on might not be utilized. Upon joining, Kane expressed his excitement, stating, "Few things shaped my childhood more profoundly than the golden era of slasher films, and none more so than 'Friday the 13th.' I am thrilled to have the chance to contribute to this legendary franchise, especially alongside formidable partners like Peacock and A24."
Kane is executive producing alongside A24, Marc Toberoff, Victor Miller, Robert M. Barsamian, Robert P. Barsamian Jr., and Stuart Manashil. Miller, the screenwriter of the original film, and Robert M. Barsamian hold rights to various facets of the "Friday the 13th" franchise, a decision reached after a prolonged copyright dispute involving Miller, the director, and producer Sean S. Cunningham.
Currently, Cardellini is lensing the dark comedy "DTF St. Louis" for HBO, starring opposite Jason Bateman and David Harbour. The three-time Emmy nominee's impressive resume also includes roles in "Freaks and Geeks," "ER," and Netflix's "Dead to Me" and "No Good Deed." She is represented by CAA and Jackoway Austen.
