The Friday the 13th franchise unveils a new Jason Voorhees design as it expands into a full Jason Universe with movies, series, and more.
New mask, same killer instincts.
Forty-five years after he first slashed onto the screen, Friday the 13th‘s Jason Voorhees is back with a terrifying new look and a much bigger stage. In celebration of the franchise’s 45th anniversary, Friday the 13th is launching the Jason Universe—a multi-platform expansion featuring new movies, TV series, games, and more, all centered around the hockey-masked horror icon.
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ADWEEK has the exclusive first look at this reimagined Jason, whose appearance is a chilling return to form. Gone are the space-bound and hellfire versions of Jason—instead, the new incarnation hearkens back to his earliest, most grounded kills.
“We strive to maintain Jason’s original essence, while continuing to move toward the future with a defined look and feel that takes Jason into his next chapter,” says Rob Barsamian, president of Horror, Inc., which has been at the heart of the franchise since the beginning.
Helping to bring that next chapter to life is special effects legend Greg Nicotero, who collaborated on the design of Jason’s full-body look. Barsamian confirms they handed Nicotero a newly crafted 13-hole mask and developed a version of Jason that’s “strong, towering and terrifying” with his signature machete in hand.
The Jason Universe will officially launch with Crystal Lake, an upcoming prequel series set to stream on Peacock in partnership with A24. The show stars Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s vengeful mother and the original killer in the 1980 slasher classic. The series promises to deepen the lore while setting the tone for Jason’s new reign of terror.
But this rebooted universe won’t stop at streaming.
“We’re listening to fans and actively developing a slate under the Jason Universe banner that spans new movies, gaming, immersive experiences, collectibles and more,” says Sheri Conn, CMO of Horror, Inc. “Our film franchise is one of the most enduring horror properties in cinematic history, and we’re actively reimagining what the next chapter—and the slasher genre overall—can become.”
That legacy is both business and personal. The Barsamian family has been connected to Jason since the beginning. Rob’s father, Bob Barsamian, was an original investor in the 1980 film, and now Rob’s own son, Robbie Barsamian, serves as executive vice president of Horror, Inc.
“I remember how excited my dad was screening the first movie,” Rob shares. “He loved that audiences were blown away when Jason rose up from the lake as a surprise ending. It’s been an honor to continue my father’s passion for entertainment.”
The journey to this point hasn’t been without conflict. For years, legal battles tied to franchise rights kept Friday the 13th on ice. But in 2021, original screenwriter Victor Miller won back domestic rights, a decision upheld in 2024. Now, Miller and his attorney and producing partner Marc Toberoff are working directly with Horror, Inc. on Jason Universe projects.
“It’s incredibly exciting to bring Jason Voorhees back into the lives of fans in such a bold and fresh way,” Toberoff tells ADWEEK. “Together, we’re making sure this return delivers everything longtime fans have been craving—while opening the door for an entirely new generation.”
And that door is opening wide. Horror, Inc. is actively pursuing brand partnerships and has already signed with Striker Entertainment to bring Friday the 13th to global consumer products.
“Our long-term vision for Jason Universe is to continue building upon the franchise’s iconic history, alongside partners who understand our goals and the importance of staying true to our roots,” Conn says, pointing to A24 as a model of the type of collaboration they aim for.
As the third generation of his family to work on the Friday the 13th brand, Robbie Barsamian sees Jason’s comeback as both a celebration and a new beginning.
“Jason has not only earned his spot within horror, but he has significantly shaped the medium itself and the ways in which audiences interact with the villains that have shaped their nightmares,” he says. “We know fans are eager for more Jason stories and experiences. And—as we celebrate 45 years of his iconic history—we’re excited to show him off in this new era.”
From Crystal Lake to gaming consoles and immersive horror experiences, Jason Voorhees is back—and the slasher icon is more unstoppable than ever.
