The Bloody Mess Behind Friday the 13th’s Disappearance

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The Bloody Mess Behind Friday the 13th’s Disappearance



By Nerdthusiast Staff | Published Friday the 13th

Cue the eerie ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma — it’s Friday the 13th again, but instead of checking into Camp Crystal Lake for another slice-and-dice session with Jason Voorhees, fans are left with… dead silence.

So where’s the next Friday the 13th movie? Why hasn’t Jason hacked his way back to the big screen (or even a streamer) in over 15 years? You’d think one of horror’s most iconic — and profitable — franchises would be resurrected faster than Jason himself. But it turns out, the real horror isn’t in the woods. It’s in the courtroom.

Jason vs. The Legal System

After the 2009 reboot, the franchise seemed primed for another comeback. But what followed was a decade-long legal slasher of its own. A brutal battle over rights between original screenwriter Victor Miller and producer Sean Cunningham has put the franchise on ice colder than Jason's time in space.

Here’s the TL;DR blood-splattered version:

  • Victor Miller, who penned the original 1980 film, wanted the rights back under U.S. copyright law.

  • Sean Cunningham, who helped spawn the franchise (and the hockey mask craze), argued that Miller’s work was "for hire" and he wasn’t entitled to reclaim the rights.

  • Years of appeals, counter-appeals, and horror fan heartbreak followed.

  • Finally, in 2021, a judge ruled in favor of Miller — giving him control of the U.S. rights to the original Friday the 13th script.

Sounds like good news? Not exactly.

Here’s the twist: Miller owns the rights to “Pamela Voorhees” and “Camp Crystal Lake,” but not to “adult Jason” in the hockey mask (introduced in later films). It’s a copyright chop shop — and no one can make a proper movie without all the parts.

Enter: Crystal Lake (The Series)



Just when we thought the machete was retired for good, the fog lifted.

In 2022, A24 (yes, that A24) announced a new Friday the 13th prequel series titled Crystal Lake, coming to Peacock. And who’s running the bloodbath? Bryan Fuller — the mastermind behind Hannibal and Pushing Daisies — will serve as showrunner. Laurie MacDonald and Robert Zotnowski (from Amblin Entertainment) are executive producing. And yes, Victor Miller is attached as well.

Here’s what’s confirmed:

  • It’s a prequel series exploring the early days of Camp Crystal Lake.

  • A24 is producing — meaning expect tension, trauma, and probably some emotional slow-motion rain.

  • Peacock will stream it, with the platform reportedly ordering a full season out the gate.

  • Rights have been worked out enough for them to use most iconic elements, and yes — according to Fuller — Jason will be involved.

So, is this the beginning of Jason’s official return? Or just more teasing like a final girl escape attempt?

How the Original Friday the 13th Was Made

If you want to dive deeper into the bloody roots of Friday the 13th, Netflix features the must-watch documentary The Movies That Made Us, which includes a full episode on the making of the original film. It unpacks how a low-budget gamble inspired by the success of Halloween turned into one of horror’s most iconic franchises. From the shock factor of Pamela Voorhees as the killer to Tom Savini’s legendary gore effects, the documentary slices through the behind-the-scenes drama, budget tricks, and marketing genius that brought Camp Crystal Lake to life. If you're curious about how the slasher legend was born, this is a killer place to start.

Stay the Night at Camp Crystal Lake (If You Dare...)

Still need to fill that Friday the 13th void? If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in Friday the 13th lore, horror fans can now book exclusive VIP experiences at the real Camp Crystal Lake — known in real life as Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in NJ, now owned by the Boy Scouts. These special packages let you walk the blood-soaked trails, tour filming locations, and even spend a night at the original camp used in the 1980 classic. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for slasher superfans. 

Pro tip: while you're in the area, make sure to grab a bite at the historic Blairstown Diner, where several scenes from the original film were shot. 

For tickets and tour info, visit the official site: https://www.crystallaketours.com ⛺🔪

Final Cut Thoughts

Fans have been dying (literally) for more Jason content. He’s slashed his way through 12 films, a NES game, Freddy vs. Jason, and a beloved asymmetrical multiplayer game — but still can’t catch a break in Hollywood.

While the Crystal Lake series is a step in the right direction, we’re still waiting for the main event: a big-budget return to theaters. Until then, keep your machetes sharp and your sleeping bags zipped — Jason’s been patient, and you never know when he’ll make his next... cut.

🎬 Love horror movies and killer commentary? Don’t miss our monthly Nerdthusiast Movie Podcast, where we break down horror, cult classics, and the weird, the bad, and the bloody.
🎧 Listen here: Nerdthusiast Movie Podcast on Spotify

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