Get ready for a chilling return to Camp Crystal Lake! The iconic Friday the 13th franchise is getting a prequel series, and it’s coming to Sky and Now in the UK and Ireland. But here’s where it gets controversial—after years of legal battles and creative shake-ups, the show is finally moving forward, but not without some drama behind the scenes. Let’s dive into the spine-tingling details.
On Halloween 2022, fans were treated to a thrilling announcement: original Friday the 13th screenwriter Victor Miller, fresh off a lengthy lawsuit victory over the 1980 film’s copyright, was teaming up with a powerhouse team. This included his lawyer Marc Toberoff, franchise rights holder Rob Barsamian, production giant A24, Peacock streaming service, and showrunner Bryan Fuller (Hannibal, Pushing Daisies). Together, they were set to develop Crystal Lake, a prequel series exploring the dark origins of the franchise. Filming was slated to begin in July 2024, but the project hit a snag in April 2024 when Fuller and his collaborator Jim Danger Gray were unexpectedly fired. And this is the part most people miss—the show quickly got back on track in August 2024 with the hiring of Brad Caleb Kane as the new showrunner. Kane, who also co-showruns It: Welcome to Derry for HBO, has since taken the helm, bringing his passion for the slasher genre to the forefront.
Filming for Crystal Lake kicked off in New Jersey in June 2024, with production expected to wrap by November 21st. While Peacock will stream the series in the U.S., Deadline recently confirmed that Sky and its streaming service Now have secured the rights to bring the show to UK and Ireland audiences, with a premiere set for 2026. Katie Keenan, Group Director of Acquisitions for Sky UK and Europe, expressed her excitement: ‘We are thrilled to partner with A24 and Peacock to bring this iconic back storyline to our customers, showcasing our commitment to top-tier U.S. drama.’
But what’s really got fans buzzing is the cast and creative direction. Linda Cardellini (No Good Deed) stars as Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s vengeful mother, while Nick Cordileone (Warrior) takes on the role of Crazy Ralph. Other notable cast members include William Catlett (Black Lightning) as Levon Brooks, potentially Crystal Lake’s chief of police, and Devin Kessler (Godfather of Harlem) as Briana Brooks. Fans will also recognize Cameron Scoggins (Shades of Blue) as Dorf, the motorcycle cop from the original film, confirming that Kane is weaving in legacy characters to delight longtime fans. And here’s a fun fact: Blairstown, New Jersey, which stood in for downtown Crystal Lake in the 1980 film, is reprising its role in the series.
Kane, who will also serve as creator, writer, and executive producer, shared his enthusiasm: ‘Growing up in the golden age of slasher flicks, *Friday the 13th defined my childhood. I’m honored to contribute to this iconic franchise alongside fearless partners like Peacock and A24.’* His vision for Pamela Voorhees is particularly intriguing—Deadline hints that she’s a mother who abandoned her singing career to raise a special needs child, taking a dark turn after losing her son. Bold move, right? Will it pay off, or will it divide fans? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Behind the camera, directors like Michael Lennox (Derry Girls), Celine Held and Logan George (Caddo Lake), and Quyen Tran (Sirens) are bringing their unique styles to the series. With A24’s first major IP-driven project, expectations are sky-high. But the real question is: Can Crystal Lake live up to the legacy of Friday the 13th while carving out its own identity? Only time will tell.
So, are you excited to see Crystal Lake on Sky and Now in the UK and Ireland? Or do you think this prequel series is a risky move? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this highly anticipated horror revival!
