Terrifier 2 Director Takes Inspiration from Friday the 13th for Thrilling Sequel
Director of 'Terrifier 2' aims to bring the same chilling suspense as 'Friday the 13th' franchise, which has been dormant for more than a decade Get ready for the thrilling release of 'Terrifier 3' as well!
The Big Picture
Expressing his admiration for Jason Voorhees and fueled by his love for the '80s era, Damien Leone, the mastermind behind the Terrifier franchise, reveals his aspiration to reinvigorate Friday the 13th. With an unwavering determination to enhance the fear factor, Leone eagerly plans to create a bone-chilling rendition of the iconic character.
The release of the Friday the 13th franchise has been postponed due to legal disagreements, however, a prequel series based on Crystal Lake is scheduled to premiere in 2024, and there are potential plans for a new film.
Thanks to Leone's talent in developing relatable characters and crafting an unforgettable "final girl" in the Terrifier franchise, he stands as a compelling choice to revitalize the Friday the 13th series. Fans can anticipate the arrival of Terrifier 3 in late 2024.
Damien Leone, the beloved director of the horror genre, has gained immense popularity through his work on the Terrifier franchise. Next week, audiences can anticipate the return of Art the Clown in theaters with the highly anticipated re-release of Terrifier 2, which will provide a sneak peek at Terrifier 3, scheduled for next year. Despite Art being at the forefront of Leone's horror world, there is one slasher that the director is eager to tackle: the iconic Friday the 13th.
In a recent interview with Slash Film, Leone expressed his long-standing desire to remake Friday the 13th, stating, "I've been on record for quite some time now, saying if I could ever remake one slasher film, it would be Friday the 13th." He further elaborated on his affection for the franchise and shared his approach to revitalizing the character of Jason Voorhees.
Jason has always been my favorite slasher ever since I was a child. In my opinion, the best approach would be to set the movie in the 1980s. I would make sure to restore his terrifying presence, which seemed to diminish as the series progressed. It's crucial to reintroduce that fear factor for the audience to truly appreciate these iconic villains once again.
Furthermore, it's not just wishful thinking on my part. I have actually had discussions regarding the franchise with executives who hold authority over it. However, I understand that I may not yet be prominent enough on the Hollywood directorial radar for them to consider me as a potential candidate.
When is the Next ‘Friday the 13th’ Releasing?
After a lengthy legal battle between screenwriter Victor Miller and producer Sean S. Cunningham, the Friday the 13th franchise has been on hold for more than ten years. However, with the lawsuit finalized in 2021, new projects are now able to proceed. Despite this development, fans of the horror series have felt a void in their hearts without the presence of Jason Voorhees. Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon with A24 planning a Crystal Lake prequel series set to debut on Peacock in 2024. It remains uncertain whether Cunningham will be involved in a new film for the franchise.
No matter the circumstances, the idea of Leone remaking Friday the 13th would be a nightmare scenario for any fan of the genre. This choice would be especially fitting considering the success of Terrifier and its sequel, two of the most impressive slasher films in recent years. Art the Clown is undeniably terrifying, and his brutal kills are shockingly graphic. However, what sets these films apart is Leone's ability to infuse them with deep meaning and emotional resonance. When the Friday the 13th series eventually makes its return, it will be crucial to have well-developed characters that the audience cares about, as well as a definitive "final girl," a key element the franchise has arguably lacked. Leone has proven herself as an expert in this domain, with Sienna from Terrifier 2 becoming a beloved figure within the genre.
When is ‘Terrifier 3’ Releasing?
The question of whether Leone will ever have the opportunity to play a role in the world of Friday the 13th remains uncertain. However, fans can anticipate the release of Terrifier 3 in late 2024, which will keep the director occupied. The initial poster and teaser for the film will be showcased during the re-release of Terrifier 2, starting on Wednesday, November 1. Tickets are available for purchase on Terrifier's website. Apart from that, Leone has also contributed VFX work to the upcoming horror thriller Stream.
