Peacock's 'Crystal Lake' Shifts Focus From Jason Voorhees to Pamela in 'Friday the 13th' Prequel
A Fresh Take on a Horror Classic
Peacock is diving into the horror genre by revisiting the infamous 'Friday the 13th' franchise with a prequel series, 'Crystal Lake.' Produced by A24, the series is set to follow Pamela Voorhees, the original killer of the first 'Friday the 13th' movie. By shifting the focus from her infamous son, Jason, to Pamela, the series promises a fresh perspective on a classic horror tale.
Behind the Scenes of 'Crystal Lake'
Leading the creative charge is showrunner Brad Caleb Kane, who has previously worked on the successful HBO Max series 'It: Welcome to Derry.' Kane revealed to People that the iconic serial killer Jason Voorhees will make an appearance, but the spotlight will firmly be on Pamela's journey, portrayed by Linda Cardellini.
Cardellini, well-known for her versatile acting skills, is set to take center stage in what Kane describes as "an acting feat." The series also reunites several creators from 'It: Welcome to Derry,' including actor and co-creator Jason Fuchs.
Thrills, Chills, and 'Rivers of Blood'
'Crystal Lake' isn't your typical slasher series. According to Kane, it’s a psychological thriller with a touch of '70s paranoia. While it retains the DNA of a slasher, expect plenty of character-driven narratives and thematic exploration. And for those fans craving the gruesome, rest assured, there will be "rivers of blood" and "ingenious kill sequences."
Evolution of 'Crystal Lake'
'Crystal Lake' has undergone several changes since its official announcement in 2022. Initially, 'Star Trek: Discovery' creator Bryan Fuller was attached to the project but exited in 2024. Despite these bumps, the project has moved forward and is set to debut on Peacock in 2026.
A Stellar Cast
Joining Cardellini is a diverse cast including Callum Vinson as Jason, William Catlett as Levon Brooks, Devin Kessler as Briana Brooks, Cameron Scoggins as Dorf, and newcomer Gwendolyn Sundstrom as Grace. With such a strong ensemble, 'Crystal Lake' is poised to bring a new depth to the 'Friday the 13th' narrative.
What's Next?
With its unique take on the 'Friday the 13th' franchise, 'Crystal Lake' promises a thrilling exploration of Pamela Voorhees' journey and a deeper dive into the origins of the horror classic. Fans should keep their eyes peeled for more updates as the 2026 release date approaches.