In 1980, Georgetown Productions, in association with Paramount, released Friday the 13th. It was the beginning of a serial work that would stretch over decades. Friday the 13th was an undertaking of Victor Miller (writer) And Sean S. Cunningham (director). However, the success of the franchise was something no one saw coming.
The 1980 film starred Betsy Palmer as Mrs. Voorhees, Laurie Bartram as Brenda, and Adrienne King as Alice. What some do not know, especially newer fans of the franchise, is that the character of Jason had only a minimal part in the first film. As noted on Friday the 13th Films, this was deliberate. According to Miller, “in his original vision, he centered on Jason’s mother and the evil she caused. However, by the end of the film, the producers had a different vision, and Jason became a permanent part of the genre.”
Although the enormity of Jason as a horror icon grew beyond rationality, the franchise has some earnest underpinnings. Undoubtedly, the first film was successful on many levels, surpassing its initial economic success. According to Variety, the first installment earned $60 million against an allocated budget of $550,000. Some may regard such as a fluke. However, this is not the case. The 1980s release expertly set up one of the most iconic figures in horror. Now, Peacock is returning to the franchise with a prequel titled Crystal Lake.
Friday the 13th: Epitome of Franchise Madness
Paramount Pictures
Friday the 13th had an incredible cast. Betsy Palmer’s portrayal of Mrs. Voorhees has earned her mention as a horror queen. The film was also exemplary in its ability to create the perfect atmosphere. The score from legend Harry Manfredini was incomparable, and the setting perfectly complemented the story. And regarding slasher quality, it was ultimately satisfying.
After the second installment, it was undeniable that Friday the 13th was the ultimate formulaic film. The Friday the 13th series of movies had cemented the hack-and-slash model. Voorhees became a bona fide horror legend. The character was so iconic it would fuel a never-ending tale. Indubitably, Jason Voorhees had an indefatigable fan base, but many had tired of formula terror. Friday the 13th had 12 installments, beginning with the 1980 offering and concluding with a 2009 reboot.
The announcement of the upcoming Friday, the 13th prequel, has some people speculating. Could this project do more harm than good? Perhaps, but it also might just be what the franchise needs.
Crystal Lake Promises a More Expansive Storyline
This prequel could be a glorious return to the franchise because Crystal Lake promises a more in-depth story. There is much of Voorhees’ narrative that is yet to be told. Over the years and across installments, viewers have pieced together a backstory through revelation in fragments. However, Crystal Lake is being pegged to be more expansive than a general prequel. If done right, a deeper dig into who Jason is, his parentage, and the factors that led to his death could be instrumental in character building.
Knowing what makes Voorhees tick and the factors contributing to developing a beloved serial fiend could ignite a new love affair with the material. We are talking about setting the franchise up for a solid rebirth. And since the creators have now retained the rights to access all the elements from the variable films within the franchise, this type of depth is almost ensured. In fact, writer and showrunner Bryan Fuller says nothing is off limits in Friday the 13th prequel series.
The Great Creative Power Behind the Series
NBC
A24 is the listed studio behind the series. However, Bryan Fuller is tapped as the writer, showrunner, and executive producer. And those who are fans of Fuller know of his ingenious eye for framing a story. Fuller’s filmography includes titles such as Hannibal, Dead Like Me, and American Gods. And if he can do what he has done for his other work for Crystal Lake, it is bound to be a success. Of equal note is his passion for the piece.
Related Link: Here’s Every Bryan Fuller TV Series, Ranked
For Fuller, this work is a dream work. A proud Fuller told Variety:
Since passion sets things aflame, this is excellent news for the series. Finally, Victor Miller, the writer of the original project, is also aboard to offer his expertise. So, with these two on the project, the possibility of restoration surely tips the balance toward success.
“I discovered Friday the 13th in the pages of Famous Monsters’ Magazine when I was ten years old, and I have been thinking about this story ever since.”
The Timing Is Right for Jason Voorhees to Return
Finally, timing is the most prominent factor underlining the probability of an impressive return to the franchise. A decade has passed since the 2009 reboot. This thirteen-year time frame allows audiences to clean the slate to look at the work with fresh eyes. Additionally, the timing factor makes the upcoming work seem more organic rather than forced.
Furthermore, since there is more than a decade lapse, there is the possibility of attracting an entirely new audience as there is more than likely a large subset of a generation yet to experience Voorhees. Given those factors, if the creative team is successful, there is massive potential for drawing a new fanbase. And given how this reboot will ride on the heels of the last installment of the Halloween franchise, this offers the writers the perfect opportunity to re-solidify Voorhees’ iconic status. Because cinematically, for the time being, Michael Myers is dead.
Indeed, reviving a series after such a long hiatus isn’t easy. However, enough factors present could prove Crystal Lake could be a perfect way to rebirth the series. Fans assuredly have their fingers and toes crossed. Unfortunately, waiting audiences will have to wait a bit more to make that judgment because Crystal Lake is scheduled to premiere in 2023 only on Peacock.
