It was Halloween 2022 when NBC streaming service Peacock commissioned a prequel series to the long-running horror franchise Friday the 13th. The project with the title Crystal Lake was met with some interest from slasher fans as two highly respected names were attached to the project.
Hannibal showrunner Bryan Fuller and the elevated horror company A24 should do that Jason Voorhees series have tackled and developed them over the last year and a half. But with Fuller on board, it was actually clear what happened next.
Horror series about Jason from Friday the 13th needs a new showrunner
Bryan Fuller, who is also known for the short-lived Pushing Daisies and American Gods, is now known for accompanying prestigious projects in their early stages as head writer… only to leave before the start of the series. Creative differences are usually given as a reason.
This was the case, for example, in the case of Star Trek: Discovery and the Interview with the Vampire series. With an entry on Instagram, Fuller now explains:
Adapting classic horror is something I have some experience with. These series need a vision that stands out and transforms while delivering what audiences expect, which is an ambitious and risky proposition. This requires people who will jump into the deep end with me. When it works, as with Hannibal, the result can be powerful for the storytellers and the audience.
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Fuller further highlights his work with his Hannibal co-producer Jim Danger Gray and justifies his exit from the Jason series:
For reasons beyond my control, A24 has decided to to take a different approach with the material. We hope the final product will be something that Friday the 13th fans around the world can enjoy.
According to Deadline, Victor Miller, the screenwriter of the original film, Marc Toberoff and producer Rob Barsamian are still involved in the project.
Also interesting:
A video for Jason fans:
Friday the 13th – Jason Vorhees is a bully
Speaking of Hannibal: Will there be more of the horror series?
Since the ambivalent end of the third Hannibal season, fans have been hoping for a fourth season with Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy as Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham. In an interview with Business Insider, the Hannibal actor recently said:
It’s no secret that everyone who was part of the cast and Bryan want to come back to it. But it has to happen sooner than later because, after all, we’re not getting any younger. The story itself can jump and have a gap, that’s okay. It’s just a matter of finding a home for it, but there’s nothing concrete right now.
At the time, the Hannibal series was broadcast on NBC, which was an extremely unusual broadcast home for the project due to the borderline and bloody story.