We have just gotten word that the upcoming Friday the 13th reboot/sequel/prequel/origin story will be taking advantage of the California Tax Credit. This is especially good news (for those looking forward to the project) because that means that cameras must begin rolling within the next six months. The production was granted a grand total of $5.6 Million from the state.
As we reported yesterday, Breck Eisner (The Last Witch Hunter) is in negotiations to direct the latest installment in the rebooted franchise. As Deadline pointed out, Eisner’s father was actually running Paramount when the studio released the first film in the series. So, this is something of a passing of the torch.
What we know so far is that it will be a period piece and not necessarily an origin story. We also know that the film will take place between the late ’70s and early ’80s. We may see Jason’s father popping up but that is far from a sure thing at this point.
The picture was slated for release on January 13, 2017 but that ship has sailed. Logically, the picture will probably hit theaters on Friday, October 13, 2017. That is the only other Friday the 13th in 2017. If it cannot be completed in that timeframe, the next available option would be Friday, April 13, 2018. No official word from the studio on any of that at this juncture.
David Bruckner was previously attached to direct. But Paramount explained that they felt it would be unfair to retain him with all of the setbacks. And he was eventually released from the project.
Nick Antosca (Hannibal) was on board to write the script some time ago. Antosca said that this installment would not be a sequel to the 2009 reboot and would do its own thing. More recently, Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners) took over scripting duties. Prior to Guzikowski or Antosca, a draft of the script was penned by Richard Naing and Ian Goldberg. It was speculated a while back that Jason would not be in the new Friday the 13th film but that allegation has been repeatedly refuted. There was another round of rumors that suggested that the new film would be found footage. And while that was considered, Brad Fuller nixed the idea and has repeatedly assured fans that option is off the table.
