Today brings a ray of hope for fans of the iconic "Friday the 13th" franchise, as we are finally set to see new content featuring Jason Voorhees. Though it may not be the feature-length film many have longed for, this short film titled "Sweet Revenge" is a welcome addition after more than fifteen years of silence from the series. As one of those eager fans, I am thrilled to embrace whatever comes our way.
According to Variety, Mike P. Nelson, renowned for his work on the 2021 "Wrong Turn" reboot, will direct this project. Labeled as a "vignette," it features the legendary Camp Crystal Lake killer from the "Friday the 13th" series. Produced by Horror Inc., who owns the rights to the property, "Sweet Revenge" is part of the ongoing Jason Universe launched last year. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the production promises an immersive weekend in the woods filled with chilling surprises only Jason can deliver.
Production on the short commenced earlier this month, keeping Nelson busy as he also works on the "Silent Night, Deadly Night" reboot for Cineverse. In a statement about his involvement with the Jason Voorhees short, Nelson expressed:
The short is scheduled to premiere on the Jason Universe YouTube channel later this year and will also be featured on a website hosted by Angry Orchard Hard Cider.
"I am deeply grateful that the team at Horror, Inc. recognized the potential in 'Sweet Revenge' and wanted it as part of the Jason Voorhees story! Thirty years ago, I was sneaking peeks at these films on VHS when no one was looking. Now, to have the opportunity to write and direct one of these stories feels surreal. With the incredible support of Chad Villella and Brianna Lee Johnson, this project has come to life. The vignette offers a fresh take on the beloved franchise while delivering a comforting, albeit gory, reminder of why we fell in love with these movies. Prepare for a gruesome delight!"
Sheri Conn, chief marketing officer at Horror, Inc., added: "We were thrilled when Mike Nelson joined the team and Angry Orchard stepped in to sponsor production, bringing this vision to life in an unexpectedly wicked manner. Even in a short format, Nelson masterfully captures our shared vision—honoring the franchise's legacy while offering something exciting for a new generation."
This development raises questions, particularly regarding the absence of "Friday the 13th" in the title. This stems from a prolonged legal battle over the rights to the franchise, which halted new films since the 2009 remake. Screenwriter Victor Miller regained rights to the original movie, though it doesn't feature Jason as the killer. Meanwhile, director Sean S. Cunningham, associated with Horror Inc., retains access to elements introduced in the sequels, including the iconic hockey-masked adult Jason.
This legal complexity has hindered the creation of a new feature film or use of the "Friday the 13th" name. Nevertheless, the arrival of new content marks a small victory for devoted fans.
The Jason Universe initiative aims to rekindle interest in the slasher icon. Jason will appear at Halloween Horror Nights, and Greg Nicotero crafted a new design for him. Additionally, the upcoming "Crystal Lake" TV series for Peacock is part of this universe, despite facing production challenges.
Though "Sweet Revenge" lacks a confirmed release date, fans should stay tuned for updates.
