Peacock and A24 have announced plans to move forward with a new showrunner for the highly anticipated Friday the 13th prequel series. Bryan Fuller, the previously attached showrunner, confirmed today on social media that he will be stepping away from the project.
In his statement, Fuller revealed that A24 has opted to take the material in a different direction, prompting his departure from the series. Despite the change, Fuller expressed optimism that the final product will resonate with Friday the 13th fans around the world.
Originally titled Crystal Lake, Fuller’s prequel series received a straight-to-series order from Peacock in 2022, with A24 onboard as the studio. Fuller was set to wear multiple hats, serving as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Joining him as executive producers were Victor Miller, Marc Toberoff, and Rob Barsamian.
The Friday the 13th franchise, which has become a cornerstone of horror cinema, began with the 1980 film featuring an ensemble cast including Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Laurie Bartram, and Kevin Bacon. The film follows a group of teenage camp counselors who fall prey to a mysterious killer at Camp Crystal Lake.
The legal journey surrounding the franchise involved Miller, Toboroff, and Barsamian, ultimately resulting in Miller gaining rights to the character he created. This paved the way for the development of the prequel series, which aims to delve deeper into the origins of the iconic horror saga.
Directed by Sean Cunningham, the original Friday the 13th film set the stage for a franchise that has captivated audiences for decades with its suspenseful storytelling and memorable characters. While Fuller’s departure marks a change in direction for the series, fans remain eager to see how the beloved franchise will be brought to life in this new adaptation.
