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Sean Cunningham Talks Premise of Friday the 13th Series

Published

9 years ago

March 15, 2015

In September of 2013, we learned that Sean Cunningham was developing a new Friday the 13th television series called Crystal Lake Chronicles. Unlike the old Friday the 13th series, this one would feature our beloved Jason Voorhees.

The news stemmed from a FEARnet interview with Cunningham in which he was quoted as saying, “I think there will also be Friday the 13th: Crystal Lake Chronicles, which is sort of a Smallville. We’ve been on-again off-again with that for years and there are a bunch of great stories to be told, but I think the way that it’s finally going to get delivered is not through a conventional television network, but through the Internet. I can’t tell you who the delivery people will be, but it won’t be the traditional route. There’s also the possibility of webisodes, and I think we even have an idea for a terrific Friday the 13th video game.”

FEARnet interviewer Scott Neumyer suggested that the series “sounds like something tailor-made for someone like Netflix.”

Cunningham’s response to that was, “Yeah, it does. It’s also more than just me saying, ‘You know,Friday the 13th would be a great series!’ We’ve got a couple of really good writers that have been working and writing. It can’t be just Jason killing someone new every week. That’s not going to make it.”

Unfortunately, the FEARnet website is no longer in existence, so I can’t link you to that interview.

A Deadline report from nearly a year ago said the new series “re-imagines Jason in multiple time periods”.

Cunningham was then quoted as saying, “Jason Voorhees is synonymous with the genre and we plan to build on this legacy with a provocative and compelling take that expands upon the storylines that have already thrilled millions worldwide.”

Also from that report:

Bill Basso (Terminator) and Jordu Schell (Avatar) have been set to script a storyline that re-imagines Jason in multiple time periods. Roy Knyrim (Gods And Monsters) of SOTA FX will coordinate the special make-up effects for the series. If you recall, the original was set at a summer camp, closed because of the drowning of an unattended child. Promiscuous counselors tried to re-open the place, but they began dying. Jason actually took root as the indestructible villain in the second film, with his signature hockey goalie mask coming later. The series is contemporary, focusing on the eclectic characters of Crystal Lake who are forced to confront the return of the killer, as new secrets about his wacky family are revealed.

Rumors from September suggested that the upcoming Friday film would lead into the series, but as with all rumors, that should be taken with a grain of salt. We’ve also heard that the film might be set in the 80s, so I’m not sure how that would work out if the series is set in present day.

Friday the 13th the Franchise, which is pretty much the best source of Friday-related content on the web, including news and rumor-debunking, has a new, interesting nugget:

Sean and other franchise alumni have been attending the Monster Mania convention this weekend in New Jersey and while talking during a Q&A during the event, he offered up some new information about the plot of the show and a possible network to air the show. Tim Jacobs attended the event and tells us what Sean had to say:

“Sean Cunningham confirmed interest from the CW in regards to pickup for the tv show. According to him, the basic premise focuses on the REAL city of Crystal Lake, and the effect that the serialized films had on its real life counterpart. This allows them to reimagine Jason in a more grounded reality, as the films would be based off the real life killings that took place at the Camp. (ie, both the Hockey Masked Jason and a more serious backwoods inspired killer will be making appearances throughout) “

The concept sounds similar to the recent The Town That Dreaded Sundown reboot, but would still include Jason himself (if I’m interpreting this correctly…and keep in mind, this basically fourth-hand news from whatever Cunningham actually said at this point). Actually, it sounds a little reminiscent of the tone from Jason Goes to Hell in that everybody knows about Jason, and he’s become something of a pop culture icon. I supposed there’s a little bit of New Nightmare in that concept too. Hopefully there will be hockey mask burgers involved.

Typically, I probably wouldn’t be a big fan of this kind of approach, but given the paths the franchise has already taken, this could actually be the best approach to getting Jason back to the basics. It’s all going to be in the execution, so I’m going to reserve judgment.

And of course, I’m pretty much dumping salt all over every piece of Friday the 13th “news” that emerges at this point. We’ll see what happens.

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Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

Published

39 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Cameron McFarland

Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

Published

17 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

Published

18 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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