Jason Voorhees has been away from the big screen long enough to make Camp Crystal Lake feel like a distant memory. It has been 17 years and 8 months since his last major feature-film appearance in Friday the 13th in February 2009, when the franchise released its theatrical reboot. The hockey-masked horror icon returned to television in October 2026 through Crystal Lake, and he will be coming back in a whole new feature film.

Now, Jason Voorhees is finally getting another Friday on the big screen. Steve Miner is stepping behind the camera for the 13th franchise installment, bringing the veteran filmmaker back to the horror territory he helped establish.

The next chapter of Jason Voorhees’ story is officially taking shape, with the untitled 13th installment targeting a 2027 theatrical release, Deadline reported. Steve Miner is returning to the franchise as director, while emerging screenwriter David Fliegel has been tapped to write the screenplay. The project is being developed independently under the Jason Universe banner.

The creative setup also brings the franchise closer to its independent horror roots. The Barsamian family, led by producer Robbie Barsamian, is fully financing and producing the feature through rights-holding company Horror, Inc. CatchLight Studios will serve as production partner, while Cineverse has acquired North American theatrical and distribution rights.

As for what audiences can expect, the filmmakers are leaning into the franchise's old-school horror appeal. Robbie Barsamian has teased a brutal experience, with practical effects and traditional horror techniques playing a central role. According to Deadline, Miner, meanwhile, returns with a particularly meaningful connection to Jason, having directed the installments that established the hockey mask as his signature look.

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While Crystal Lake had its reasons for leaving the iconic hockey mask behind, its return signals another major piece of Jason’s revival falling into place.

The theatrical comeback is only one part of a much bigger plan to put Jason Voorhees back on the horror map. Launched in May 2024 by Horror, Inc., the Jason Universe was designed to expand the franchise beyond feature films and rebuild its mainstream presence. The strategy has since stretched across television, short films, gaming, live attractions, and merchandise.

That expansion has already produced some significant milestones, including the A24 and Peacock prequel Crystal Lake, the anniversary short Sweet Revenge, and a new standalone video game in development. Jason has also crossed into popular gaming titles such as Fortnite and Dead by Daylight, while Halloween Horror Nights has brought the hockey-masked icon into live horror experiences. Together, these moves set the stage for the 2027 theatrical return.

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What did you think of Jason Voorhees returning to the Friday the 13th franchise? Let us know in the comments!