Wicked Horror has just learned that director Breck Eisner (The Last Witch Hunter) is in negotiations to direct the latest installment in the rebooted Friday the 13th franchise. Deadline pointed out that 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.
As for the film’s ambitious January 13, 2017, release date that was previously announced, Brad Fuller recently reported that the project probably will not be ready for release at that point. But he did assure that we should be hearing something about that soon.
David Bruckner was previously attached to direct. 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 attached 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.
