May 9, 2025, marks a thrilling milestone in horror history—it’s the 45th anniversary of the iconic film Friday the 13th. Celebrated by many, yet sometimes overshadowed by its sequels, this groundbreaking film ignited a franchise that has captivated fans for generations. Last year, the rights holders, Horror Inc., thrilled enthusiasts by announcing the creation of the Jason Universe. This ambitious initiative promises to expand the franchise across a multitude of platforms, including games, immersive experiences, and merchandise. Stay updated by following @JasonUniverse13 on social media or visiting the official Jason Universe website.
Fans may recall the franchise’s rocky history, particularly the long legal battle surrounding the original film. That dispute, which pitted director Sean S. Cunningham against screenwriter Victor Miller, ultimately concluded in favor of Miller, granting him U.S. copyright to the original movie. Meanwhile, Horror Inc., under the leadership of Robert Barsamian, retains most other franchise rights. The collaborative team, including Miller, Barsamian, and lawyer Marc Toberoff, is now focused on the exciting new “activations” within the Jason Universe.
Robert Barsamian, President of Horror Inc., shared his passion for this creative venture in a statement to our friends at Bloody Disgusting: “Our goal with the new Jason Universe logo is to honor the rich legacy of Jason while embracing future possibilities that authentically connect with both new and loyal fans. This latest design balances respecting the past with propelling our beloved character into the future.” Robbie Barsamian, the Vice President, echoed this sentiment: “When it comes to horror icons, Jason stands out. We’ve diligently worked to bring him back to the forefront, especially as we celebrate the 45th anniversary across all platforms.” Marc Toberoff added his enthusiasm on behalf of Friday the 13th LLC, stating, “Marking 45 years of the Friday the 13th legacy makes it an exhilarating time to revive Jason Voorhees with Horror Inc. in a fresh yet authentic manner. It’s a monumental moment, and we’re ready to deliver a new chapter worthy of this iconic character.”
The creative minds behind this new era, including Marc Toberoff, Victor Miller, and the Barsamians, are also collaborating with Stuart Manashil, A24, and showrunner Brad Caleb Kane on the anticipated Peacock series Crystal Lake. Recently, Linda Cardellini has been cast to play Jason’s vengeful mother, Pamela Voorhees, generating even more buzz as production gears up.
Curious about the evolution of the Jason Universe logo? Here’s a glimpse of the former design:
The newly unveiled logo can be seen in the video below, featuring music by franchise composer Harry Manfredini, which adds an emotional layer to the anticipation surrounding these new projects.
So, how excited are you for Crystal Lake and the upcoming Friday the 13th endeavors from the Jason Universe? Share your thoughts in the comments!
