Paramount Schedules Animated Family-Horror Feature “Freddy the 13th” for Oct. 13 2028

Paramount Animation confirmed that the untitled animated adaptation of Yehudi Mercado’s indie comic “Freddy the 13th” will open on Friday, Oct. 13 2028. The studio highlighted the film as a PG-rated horror comedy designed to deliver “scares and laughs to the whole family.” The date aligns with the titular superstition, reinforcing the project’s thematic branding.

Deadline Hollywood

The project was first unveiled at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival last month, where Paramount positioned the film as a “wholesome PG-rated” family experience. The announcement follows Dan Trachtenberg’s recent three-year first-look directing and producing deal with Paramount Pictures, expanding his portfolio from live-action thrillers and the animated “Predator: Killer of Killers” to a kid-focused feature.

Hollywood Reporter

• Dan Trachtenberg – Director (known for *10 Cloverfield Lane*, *Prey*, *Predator* series) and producer.

The Wrap

• Yehudi Mercado – Comic creator, co-director, and producer.

The Wrap

• Ben Rosenblatt – Producer, long-time collaborator with Trachtenberg.

Deadline Hollywood

• Paramount Animation – Production studio under Paramount Pictures.

Hollywood Reporter

The narrative centers on Freddy VanWinkle, a clumsy family member who unintentionally kills the Boogeyman during a vacation and inherits its powers, blending elements of classic holiday fantasy with light horror.

AV Club

Paramount described the film as a family-friendly blend of humor and mild fright, emphasizing its suitability for all ages. Trachtenberg noted the shift from his usual adult-oriented material, expressing enthusiasm for creating content his children could enjoy. Mercado echoed this sentiment, thanking the studio for supporting an animated horror-comedy aimed at a broad audience.

Deadline Hollywood

• “I’m incredibly excited to have found a team crazy enough to want to make an animated horror-comedy for the whole family,” — Yehudi Mercado, Instagram post

Hollywood Reporter

• “I’ve spent most of my career making movies that parents probably shouldn’t show their kids,” — Dan Trachtenberg, Instagram post

The Wrap

• “wholesome PG-rated scares and laughs to the whole family.” — Paramount Animation promotional description

Hollywood Reporter

• “a family vacation that takes a bad turn when lovable Uncle Freddy accidentally kills the Boogeyman and adopts his powers.” — Paramount press release

AV Club

These statements and quotes collectively outline the film’s creative direction, target audience, and scheduled release.

Hollywood Reporter