Full Breakdown
Horror, Inc. Rolls Out New Jason Voorhees Projects to Revitalize Franchise
7/11/2026, 12:29:54 PM
Revival Strategy
Horror, Inc., the rights holder of the “Friday the 13th” franchise, is executing a multi-platform push that includes a short film, a television series, a video-game crossover and a slate of licensing deals. Executive vice president Robbie Barsamian says the effort builds on a “45th anniversary celebration in 2025” and is intended to keep the character “the icon that he is for the next 45 years.” The company frames the rollout as a way to satisfy longtime fans while attracting new audiences through diverse media experiences.
Background & Recent Milestones
The franchise, which debuted in 1980, celebrated its 45th year last year. After a period of legal uncertainty, Horror, Inc. resumed active development with the 13-minute short “Sweet Revenge” (2025), which was shortlisted at Cannes. The short’s “bloodiest Jason kills” and a “final-girl twist” signaled a willingness to blend classic horror tropes with fresh storytelling.
Upcoming Projects
The centerpiece of the 2026 slate is the Peacock series “Crystal Lake,” slated to premiere on October 15. The show will explore the origin of Pamela Voorhees, “the mother of all slashers.” In the gaming arena, Behaviour Interactive’s “Dead by Daylight” added three new Jason skins—Backwoods Terror, Depths of Despair, and Death Forsaken—reimagined for the game’s nightmare setting. Horror, Inc. also hinted at additional, undisclosed projects, describing the current releases as “just the tip of the iceberg.”
Official Statements & Responses
Barsamian emphasized a deliberate, long-term plan: “Starting with our 45th anniversary celebration in 2025, our approach to bringing new film, TV, gaming, immersive experiences and merchandise to life has been intentionally planned.” He added that the company aims to “give fans fresh takes on what they love most about Jason and continue to expand his world in authentic ways that resonate with horror fans today.”
Data & Statistics
- Global box-office earnings to date: over $468 million.
- “Crystal Lake” launch date: October 15, 2026 on Peacock.
- “Sweet Revenge” runtime: 13 minutes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re giving long-time fans what they’ve been asking for while the same time inviting new fans into the franchise in a variety of ways.” — Robbie Barsamian, Executive Vice President, Horror Inc.
- “We want to make sure that in any game, his physical presence is imposing, he moves only like Jason would, and he leaves players’ hearts racing.” — Robbie Barsamian
- “They are two completely different approaches to storytelling, and that’s exactly the point.” — Robbie Barsamian
- “We’ve been busy behind the scenes laying the foundation that everyone is finally starting to see come to life, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.” — Robbie Barsamian
