Jason Voorhees is returning to theaters for the first time in nearly two decades. Horror, Inc. and the Barsamian family have green‑lit a thirteenth Friday the 13th film, slated for a 2027 theatrical release, with original series director Steve Miner back behind the camera.
The Director Returns
Miner directed Friday the 13th Part II in 1981 and Friday the 13th Part III in 1982. He put the machete in Jason’s hands in the first sequel and introduced the hockey mask in the second, creating the iconography that defined the franchise. “When I put the hockey mask on Jason for Friday the 13th Part III, I knew it would create a truly scary image that would work for that movie,” Miner said. “I had no idea that it would live on as one of the most iconic symbols in horror films. I’m thrilled to come back and continue the legacy.”
Robbie Barsamian, Executive Vice President of Horror, Inc., framed the reunion as a strategic move to protect the brand. “For generations of fans, Jason’s identity is inseparable from the creative choices Steve Miner brought to the screen,” Barsamian said. “Reuniting with Steve under a fully independent model allows us the creative control to honor what makes Jason the greatest slasher of all time and deliver the definitive theatrical event that today’s audiences expect.”
Independent Financing and Production
The film will be financed and produced by the Barsamian family through Horror, Inc., returning the franchise to the independent model that launched it in 1980. CatchLight Studios, the company behind A24’s Heretic and the Sandra Oh vehicle Umma, has signed on as production partner. The screenplay comes from emerging writer David Fliegel.
Jeanette Volturno, Co‑Founder of CatchLight Studios, said the goal is a practically‑shot film that is “relentless, cinematic and terrifying.” The production aims to deliver the practical kills and classic slasher tone that longtime fans expect.
Distribution and the Jason Universe
Cineverse, parent company of Bloody Disgusting, has secured North American theatrical distribution rights. Chris McGurk, Chairman and CEO of Cineverse, pointed to the company’s recent success with the Terrifier sequels as proof it can connect uncompromising genre filmmaking with passionate audiences. “Jason is one of the most recognizable figures in cinema history,” McGurk said. “We are honored to be a part of bringing Jason back to theaters where he belongs.”
The project follows the Peacock/A24 prequel series Crystal Lake, which debuted in October 2026 and became Peacock’s fourth‑best scripted‑original debut. That series starred Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees and reintroduced key mythology ahead of the feature film. The franchise has grossed over $468 million worldwide across 12 previous theatrical releases and spans gaming integrations, immersive experiences and a robust merchandise portfolio.
Sources
- Confirmed: Friday the 13th Is Getting Its First New Movie for Nearly 20 Years
- 'Friday The 13th' New Movie In Works; Steve Miner Directing
- Jason Voorhees Officially Returns For First Friday The 13th Movie In Nearly 20 Years
- Jason Voorhees Returning to Theaters With 13th Feature Film Directed by Steve Miner
- THE WEEKEND WARRIOR “Print Edition” for Nov. 13, 2026
Photo: Artistosteles (CC BY-SA 4.0)
