Is the Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake in jeopardy? Showrunner Bryan Fuller has exited the project before it even commenced. Confirming the news via social media, Fuller revealed that Peacock and A24, the production companies behind the series, have opted to take a different direction. Currently, no replacement showrunner has been announced.
Initially announced in 2022, Crystal Lake garnered attention from horror enthusiasts when Peacock awarded it a direct-to-series contract, with A24 joining as the production partner. Bryan Fuller, renowned for his work on acclaimed series like Hannibal, American Gods, and Pushing Daisies, was set to lead as the writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
Fuller’s departure from the series comes as a surprise given his extensive experience in adapting horror classics for television. In his social media posts, he emphasized the ambitious and risky nature of adaptations like Crystal Lake, stressing the importance of transforming source material while satisfying fans’ expectations.
Reflecting on his successful creation of Hannibal, based on Silence of the Lambs, Fuller highlighted the potential for powerful storytelling in reimagining classic horror tales. Despite his impressive track record, Peacock and A24 opted to take a different creative direction for Crystal Lake.
While Fuller’s exit may disappoint fans, Peacock and A24 are determined to move forward with the series. Although production has yet to commence, the studios are actively seeking a new showrunner to helm the project.
Although Fuller is no longer involved, Crystal Lake retains some of its original team, including Friday the 13th writer Victor Miller, who serves as an executive producer alongside Marc Toberoff and Rob Barsamian. As for the series’ plot, details remain tightly under wraps, with the studio likely refining story elements as they transition to a new showrunner.
