After 16 years, we’re now less than a week away from the return of Jason Voorhees thanks to the newhorrorvignette titledSweet Revengethat’s set to drop on August 13. It may not be a movie, but it will sure be nice to see theFriday the 13thicon back in action thanks to Jason Universe, evenif the project seems like a quick cash grab. While it’s no secret thatSweet Revengehas been on the horizon, what has remained under wraps is the actor who will portray Jason – until now.
Bloody Disgustingreports that legendary stunt performer Schulyer White will don the hockey mask inSweet Revengenext week, which is a 13-minute experience directed by Mike P. Nelson that was produced in cooperation with Angry Orchard. Part commercial, part short film, this will be the first time anyone has officially portrayed Voorhees outside of fan projects since Derek Mears last put on the mask in the 2009 reboot that was helmed by Marcus Nispel.
A Guinness World Record holder for his many fire stunts, White brings with him a wealth of experience to the role of Voorhees. He’s been a performer in such films asThe Bye Bye Man,Haunt, andV/H/S/85, and behind-the-scenes he’s been a stunt coordinator and special effects wizard for movies likeBeverly Hills Cop: Alex F, the upcoming horror flickShelby Oaks,Don’t Breathe 2, andEscape Plan: The Extractors. White confirmed Bloody Disgusting’s reporting on Facebook, writing, “Well, the cat is out of the bag now,” to his nearly 5,000 followers, who were more than happy to respond with words of support.
‘Sweet Revenge’ Isn’t the Only ‘Friday the 13th’ Project Coming Our Way
While fans were initially skeptical ofSweet Revengeupon its announcement, and rightfully so, it seems like acceptance has finally sunk in and everyone is just happy to have Jason back in some form or fashion. Thankfully, this isn’t the only project that Jason Universe has on the go, as it was announced at SDCC last month that a few other goodies are also in the works.
Appearing at the Jason Universe panel, Horror Inc. VP Robbie Barsamian told audience members that a new video game and a feature film are “at the top of the list.” Other than that, he remained mum on the subject of what’s to come, but did say that the company is “now in a position to deliver” on all that it promises. Whether that translates into anything tangible in the coming months remains to be seen, as so far the only other things we know aboutare theCrystal Lakeprequel seriesthat’s currently filming for Peacock, and some new NECA figures coming down the pike.
Needless to say, Jason Universe and Horror Inc. have a long way to go to repair theFriday the 13thbrand, which has been cloaked in legal issues over the years. Fans have grown weary of the various starts and stops, so here’s hopingSweet Revengeis truly the beginning of something great, because it’s been far too long since Jason Voorhees has been given room to play.
Friday the 13th
