Key Takeaways
– Victor Miller, the original Friday the 13th screenwriter, started a new Friday the 13th project, Crystal Lake.
– The project hit a setback with the firing of Bryan Fuller and Jim Danger Gray and rising budget issues.
– Rumour surrounds about Charlize Theron and Claire Danes for the role of Pam Voorhees in the series.
– However, production and casting remain in uncertainties due to script and budget problems.
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If you're a fan of spooky stuff, guess what? The original Friday the 13th screenwriter Victor Miller planned on creating a brand new spin-off called Crystal Lake. Pretty cool, huh? However, this isn't your everyday, smooth-sailing movie project. Bringing this horror series to life on screen has been as complex and suspense-filled as the movies themselves.
Let's break it down so you can get the full picture.
The Dream Team and Unexpected Challenges
First, Miller put together a killer crew with his lawyer Marc Toberoff, Rob Barsamian who holds the franchise rights, production company A24, the Peacock streaming service and the renowned showrunner Bryan Fuller. But just like in the movies, things went downhill quickly.
Fuller, along with his partner Jim Danger Gray, got the boot at the end of April. It's like a scandal right out of a Hollywood movie. The Wrap probed into what happened and while a bunch of reasons surfaced, there was some agreement on Fuller's vision and late scripts becoming a problem. There were whispers of A24 executives' shortfall in TV experience too.
Budget Fears and Big-Name Actors
Adding to the chaos was the massive budget. The costs were spiralling beyond the allotted $85 million for the first season, which was already generous. Each episode was meant to have $9.6 million, but A24 wanted to slice it in half. At this point, they're on the hunt for a new showrunner who can get the series rolling again, undeterred by these budget cuts.
In the midst of all these predicaments, they're also considering some big-name actors for the series. Charlize Theron was eyed initially to play the role of Pam Voorhees, Jason's furious mom. But it seems, Claire Danes was offered the role later, which from what we gather, she turned down.
An Innovative Take or a Complete Overhaul?
Fuller's take on the series was to creatively recapitulate the first four films of Friday the 13th, each season based on each movie. Season 1, specifically, would highlight the aftermath of Jason's drowning and his mother's wrathful murder spree. But the screenplay may face a complete rewrite with a new showrunner.
Names have been thrown around for the new showrunner, including Nick Antosca, who has an impressive track record with Hannibal and Chucky. He could bring a fresh perspective to Crystal Lake but it's likely he'll tear up Fuller's script and start from scratch if he's brought on board.
So, as we wait for the fog to clear up over Crystal Lake, let's ponder on who could best fill Pam Voorhees' shoes. Charlize Theron? Claire Danes? Or someone else entirely? Feel free to leave a comment below on your ideal casting choice.
Despite the bumpy start, we're still super stoked for the new Friday the 13th series. Whatever happens, we're sure the final product will have us grabbing our popcorn and hiding behind our couches in fear and anticipation. So, keep it locked here and we'll make sure to keep you updated with all the juicy developments!
