Crystal Lake Wraps Filming: What's Next for the Friday the 13th Prequel?

Get ready, horror fans! The highly anticipated Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake, has officially wrapped production on its first season, bringing us one step closer to returning to the infamous camp.

TL;DR: Quick Bites for Busy Bodies

• Filming for the A24-produced Crystal Lake Season 1 has officially wrapped as of October 2025.
• The series is an "expanded prequel" to the original Friday the 13th (1980), focusing on Pamela Voorhees and her tragic journey.
• Expect Crystal Lake to hit Peacock in the USA (and Sky/WOW/NOW TV internationally) sometime in 2026, featuring Linda Cardellini as Pamela and Callum Vinson as young Jason.

Hey there, horror hounds and Camp Crystal Lake devotees! We've got some killer news to share that'll have you sharpening your machetes (figuratively, of course). The long-awaited Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake, has officially wrapped filming on its first season!

Showrunner Brad Caleb Kane took to Instagram in mid-October 2025 to announce that production was "almost sorta not quite done and dusted," signaling a major milestone for the A24-produced Peacock series. After months of shooting, the crew and cast, led by the incredible Linda Cardellini, celebrated the wrap party, and we’re all buzzing about what this means for the future of the iconic slasher franchise.

Diving Deep into the Origins of the Voorhees Family Curse

This isn't just another slasher flick. Crystal Lake is set to be an "expanded prequel" to the original 1980 Friday the 13th film, meaning we're going way back to where it all began. The series will primarily explore the earlier, tragic years of Jason Voorhees' mother, Pamela Voorhees, who, as we all know, was the OG killer in that first movie. Her motivation? Grief and rage over her son Jason's supposed drowning.

Linda Cardellini, known for her fantastic roles in everything from Freaks and Geeks to Dead to Me, is stepping into Pamela's shoes, and honestly, we couldn't think of a better fit. Kane himself called Cardellini "absolutely brilliant," and we can't wait to see her bring that complex, heartbroken, and ultimately homicidal character to life with fresh depth and nuance. The show aims to delve into Pamela's grappling with her grief and the events that lead her to become the vengeful figure we first met.

Unmasking the Mystery: Will Young Jason Voorhees Appear?

Okay, this is the big one, right? Can you even have a Friday the 13th story without Jason? While showrunner Brad Caleb Kane was initially a bit cagey, hinting, "I can’t say whether or not Jason is actually in it," he also admitted, "I don’t know if I’d want to do a Friday the 13th without a Jason in it." Luckily for us, later reports confirmed that Callum Vinson (Chucky) will be portraying a young Jason Voorhees in the series!

But don't expect the iconic hockey mask just yet. As Kane pointed out, Jason didn't get that signature look until Friday the 13th Part III (1982), which happens at least a decade after the events Crystal Lake will cover. However, he teased that Jason "had another mask in earlier incarnations" and that "he was a little boy who drowned at Crystal Lake." This strongly suggests we might see the sack mask he wore in Part 2 or perhaps an entirely new, unsettling early look. Kane hinted, "maybe we’ll see a little bit of that," emphasizing that the show is "really about the mother and son, and what happens on the other side of the drowning." This means exploring Jason's early life and his profound impact on Pamela's descent into madness, whether he's a ghostly presence, in flashbacks, or (as confirmed) a living young boy.

"CRYSTAL LAKE wrap party was epic! I’m madly in love with and totally in awe of this stellar bunch of artists and humans. A fella couldn’t ask for a more talented and wonderful group of collaborators. S1 (almost sorta not quite) done and dusted. More please and thank you." — Brad Caleb Kane, Showrunner, via Instagram

Meet the Cast Bringing Terror to Camp Crystal Lake

Beyond the brilliant Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees and Callum Vinson as young Jason, a talented ensemble cast has joined the ranks, ready to bring more "beautifully colorful denizens" to this infamously cursed town, as co-star Cameron Scoggins put it. Here's who we know will be checking into Crystal Lake:

• Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees
• Callum Vinson as young Jason Voorhees
• William Catlett as Levon Brooks
• Devin Kessler as Briana Brooks
• Cameron Scoggins as Dorf
• Gwendolyn Sundstrom as Grace
• Nick Cordileone as Crazy Ralph (yes, the fan-favorite warning prophet!)
• Danielle Kotch as Claudette (one of the original movie's ill-fated counselors)
• Phoenix Parnevik as Barry (another original movie victim)
• Nancy Nagrant as Kay Christy (a relative of Steve Christy from the 1980 film)
• Joy Suprano as Rita

It's exciting to see some familiar names from the original film making an appearance, suggesting a deep reverence for the source material while expanding on its lore. These early victims and warning signs will likely play a crucial role in Pamela's story before Jason truly takes over.

The Visionaries Behind the Horrific Reimagining of Friday the 13th

This isn't just any horror series; it's got some serious creative firepower behind it. A24, the studio known for its critically acclaimed and often unsettling horror films like Hereditary and The Witch, is producing, which immediately sets a high bar for quality and atmospheric dread. They're not afraid to push boundaries, and their involvement suggests Crystal Lake will be more than just cheap jump scares.

At the helm is Brad Caleb Kane, who's serving as creator, showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Kane's previous work includes IT: Welcome to Derry and Black Sails, so he's no stranger to crafting compelling, often dark, narratives. He's joined by executive producers Marc Toberoff, Victor Miller (the original Friday the 13th writer!), Rob Barsamian, and Stuart Manashil.

"From the moment I watched Jason Voorhees squeeze a guy’s eyeball out of its socket (in glorious 3D!) at the tender age of 8 years old, I knew my creative path was someday destined to converge with The Man Behind The Mask. Nothing defined my childhood more than growing up in the golden age of the slasher flick, and nothing’s defined the genre more than ‘Friday The 13th.’ I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to contribute a chapter to this iconic franchise, particularly with such fearless partners as Peacock and A24." — Brad Caleb Kane, Showrunner, on joining Crystal Lake

Kane’s passion is truly infectious. He fondly recalls growing up during the "golden age of the slasher flick" and credits Friday the 13th as a defining influence. With such a dedicated and genre-savvy team, we can expect a series that both honors the franchise's legacy and brings a fresh, "witty" (as co-star Cameron Scoggins described Kane's approach) perspective to the beloved horrors of Camp Crystal Lake.

The directing team also boasts some impressive names, including Michael Lennox (Derry Girls), Celine Held & Logan George (Caddo Lake), and Quyen Tran (The Pitt). This diverse group of directors suggests a varied and dynamic visual style, which can only add to the rich tapestry of horror A24 and Kane are aiming to weave.

When Can We Finally Return to the Infamously Cursed Lake?

The big question on everyone's mind now that filming has wrapped: When can we actually watch this thing?! While an exact premiere date is still under wraps, multiple sources confirm that Crystal Lake is set to debut sometime in 2026. For our friends in the USA, you'll find it streaming exclusively on Peacock. International fans, don't despair! Viewers in Germany can look forward to its launch on Sky or WOW, while those in the UK and Ireland will be able to stream it via Sky Television (likely on NowTV).

The wait might feel long, especially with the buzz from the wrap party photos, but post-production is a crucial stage where all those gruesome effects, haunting scores, and intricate edits come together. Given the talent involved, we're sure they're taking their time to perfect every chilling detail.

Why This Friday the 13th Prequel Is a Big Deal for Horror Fans

Friday the 13th has held a special, bloody place in horror history for over four decades. The tale of Jason Voorhees, his machete, and his unyielding thirst for revenge, sparked by his mother Pamela, has spawned 12 films and countless nightmares. After a 16-year hiatus from the big screen, Crystal Lake isn't just a comeback; it's a chance to deepen the mythology and explore uncharted emotional territory.

A24's involvement signals a push for atmospheric horror and emotional depth, moving beyond mere slasher tropes. By focusing on Pamela's psychological journey and her complex relationship with young Jason, the series promises to deliver more than just scares – it's an opportunity to truly understand the genesis of one of horror's most iconic villains. This reimagining could offer a fresh perspective that honors the original while captivating a new generation of fans, proving that sometimes, looking back can push a franchise forward in exciting new ways.

So, get ready to revisit the dark shores of Camp Crystal Lake. It sounds like Crystal Lake is poised to be a thoughtful, terrifying, and essential new chapter in the Friday the 13th saga. We absolutely cannot wait!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Crystal Lake Series

Got more questions about the upcoming Friday the 13th prequel? We've got answers!

When is the Crystal Lake series releasing?

The Crystal Lake Series is expected to premiere sometime in 2026. An exact date hasn't been announced yet, but filming for the first season has officially wrapped!

Where can I watch the Crystal Lake series?

In the USA, Crystal Lake will be available to stream on Peacock. Internationally, it's slated for Sky or WOW in Germany, and Sky Television (likely NowTV) in the UK and Ireland.

Will Jason Voorhees be in the Crystal Lake series?

Yes! Callum Vinson is cast as a young Jason Voorhees. However, since the series is a prequel set before the events of the 1980 film, don't expect him to be wearing his iconic hockey mask just yet. He might appear with an earlier mask (like the sack mask) or in flashbacks centered around his drowning and its impact on Pamela.

Is Crystal Lake a prequel or a sequel?

Crystal Lake is an "expanded prequel" to the original 1980 Friday the 13th movie. It delves into the events and characters that predate Pamela Voorhees' murderous rampage, focusing heavily on her story and motivations.

Sources:

• ScreenRant: Creator of Crystal Lake Discusses Jason Voorhees' Appearance (Original article used as basis for early Jason discussion)
• Bloody Disgusting: ‘Crystal Lake’ – Filming Wraps on A24 and Peacock’s ‘Friday the 13th’ Prequel Series!
• Bleeding Cool: Crystal Lake Showrunner Shares Good News About Season 1 Filming
• Flickering Myth: ‘Friday The 13th’ Series ‘Crystal Lake’ Wraps Production
• 3DVF: One of the Most Cult Horror Films in History Will Get a Prequel Series, and the Project Has Just Been Officially Launched
• Scream Magazine: SKY TELEVISION PARTNERS WITH A24 TO AIR “CRYSTAL LAKE” IN UK AND IRELAND
• The Business Standard: Friday the 13th returns with Crystal Lake