Peacock and A24’sFriday the 13thprequel series,Crystal Lake, has officially cast its leading star. The upcoming prequel is set to explore the origins of the location that will later be home to the hockey mask-wearing killer Jason Voorhees from the iconic 1980s horror franchise, which spawned over ten slasher films before going comatose in 2009.Crystal Lakehas been stuck in development hellsince the studio ordered the series in 2022, but with Brad Caleb Kane (It: Welcome To Derry)now attached to the project as the new showrunner, theFriday the 13thprequel has picked up its momentum.
Now, Peacock has announced thatLinda Cardellini will leadCrystal Lakeas Pamela Voorhees, the mother of the indomitable killer and originally portrayed by Betsy Palmer in the 1980 film. After amassing major success with her role inFreaks and Geeks, the three-time Emmy nominee has starred in Netflix’sDead To Meand recently joined the dark comedy seriesNo Good Deed, alongside Lisa Kudrow, Luke Wilson, and Ray Romano. Cardellini is currently filming the lead role in Max’sDTF: St. Louis, opposite Jason Bateman and David Harbour.
What Cardellini’s Casting Means For Crystal Lake
The Friday The 13th Prequel Show Moves Closer To Reality
WithCrystal Lakecasting its lead role, theFriday the 13thprequel series is now moving along after a few behind-the-scenes shake-ups. Bryan Fuller was originally tapped to lead the prequel in 2022, before he stepped down in early 2024. A few months later, Brad Caleb Kane came on as showrunner, who is currently tackling a horror prequel withStephen King’sItadaptationWelcome to Derry.Adrienne King was set to appear in the prequel TV series, but it remains unclear if the originalFriday the 13thfinal girl will be in the current iteration.
10 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching The Friday The 13th Movies
Friday the 13th was one of the most iconic slasher franchises of all time, and with 12 movies, there are some harsh realities viewers should face.
While plot details forCrystal Lakeare sparse, its story will likely involve Cardellini as a young Pamela Voorhees with Jason in tow at Camp Crystal Lake. In a style reminiscent ofBates Motel, Crystal Lakemay uncover hidden details about Pamela’s life before she beganher rampage in the originalFriday the 13thmovie.This will be Cardellini’s second horror roleafter starring in the 2019 supernatural filmThe Curse of La Lloronaas a mother who must face a vengeful spirit intent on taking her children away.
Our Take On Cardellini In Crystal Lake
She’s The Perfect Choice To Play Pamela
Pamela Voorhees is an iconic horror figure who became a psychotic and puritanical murderer after Jason’s death. Cardellini’s casting as Jason’s mother is nothing short of an inspired choice. TheDead To Meactor has the range to depict Pamela not just as a vengeful killer but as a complex, tragic figure. GivenCrystal Lake’s seemingly more psychological approach to the slasher franchise, Cardellini’s performance could redefine Pamela’s descent into madness, making her more than just the grieving mother from the originalFriday the 13th.
Crystal Lake
Cast
Crystal Lake explores the origins of the infamous Crystal Lake killer, set against the backdrop of a quiet, lakeside community. The series delves into the dark history and secrets that haunt the fictional town, intertwining past and present narratives. This prequel to the Friday the 13th franchise promises to shed light on the events leading to the horror saga, providing a deeper understanding of the eerie and sinister locale.
