Horror producer Jason Blum has been keen to revive the “Friday the 13th” franchise for some time, but has long faced hurdles in doing so due to the rights disputes surrounding the franchise.
The last film in the franchise was Platinum Dunes’ 2009 reboot which was fairly well received. However the rights dispute between the first film’s screenwriter Victor Miller and director Sean S. Cunningham has left the franchise unable to produce new entries.
Now, speaking with Collider to promote “Imaginary,” Blum reaffirmed his desire for the project when asked what would be the one film he wishes he could greenlight right now:
“Friday the 13th is what I would do. It’s not a Blumhouse project, but I’m trying to will it into being one. It’s just a piece of IP I’ve always loved. And James Wan and Atomic Monster are very passionate about it, and I think we would have them shepherd it for us. That would be a lot of fun.”
“The Conjuring” and “Aquaman” director Wan and his Atomic Monster label merged with Blumhouse recently and so such a collaboration would be possible. Wan has yet to do a remake or revival like this, and Blumhouse’s track record is mixed with the successful 2018 “Halloween” and last year’s dud “The Exorcist: Believer”.
The property will be back soon though with Bryan Fuller’s prequel TV series “Crystal Lake” on the way via A24 and Peacock – but it’s not clear what the team can get away with on screen that won’t hit rights issues.
To me I don't see it happening over the dick waving of both Sean Cunningham and Victor Miller. Seems that fans are the last thing that matters in this mess.