The future of the Friday the 13th franchise is beginning to take form following years of uncertainty. According to filmmaker Vincent Disanti of Womp Stomp Films, who recently shared new insights on the studio’s podcast, both a new game and a new film are in long-term planning under the Jason Universe banner. His remarks follow the official confirmation by Horror Inc. at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 that a new Friday the 13th video game is in early development.
Disanti revealed that during the Sweet Revenge premiere party, he spoke with several key members of the Jason Universe team, noting that while some information remains confidential, the franchise is entering what could be considered its second major phase. The first phase included collaborations with major brands such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, Youtooz, and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. He added that this next phase will involve broader expansions but urged fans not to expect a new game or film until at least 2027. “There is a long-term plan in place for both the game and the film,” he explained, emphasizing that current efforts are still in the planning stages.
On the gaming front, Disanti hinted that the upcoming project is being developed on a far greater scale than the ill-fated 2017 asymmetrical multiplayer title by IllFonic and Gun Media. “The game will be at a higher tier with more resources being invested on it,” he said. He further noted, “Now that there is no fear of a lawsuit, things are going to come together with a well-rounded team that is going to have the funding to build the things the fans want.” The earlier title, Friday the 13th: The Game, was officially shut down at the end of 2024 following licensing disputes that prevented future updates or online support.
Vincent Disanti also addressed the involvement of longtime franchise composer Harry Manfredini, who has reportedly been working on conceptual material for the new project. According to Disanti, Manfredini’s earlier contributions were primarily experimental, helping to establish tone and mood rather than producing a finished soundtrack. Manfredini himself has confirmed that he is again involved, suggesting the new game will feature a more realistic visual style and a distinct creative direction from the 2017 release.
As for the film side, Disanti clarified that a new Friday the 13th movie is not yet in active development, and no production studio has been attached. The Jason Universe team, led by the Barsamian family, is currently focused on existing collaborations and smaller projects such as the Sweet Revenge short film before transitioning into full-scale movie production. Disanti praised this approach, saying it avoids the mistakes of earlier rushed attempts, such as the 2009 Friday the 13th reboot. He noted, “It is good they are looking three films ahead and taking their time,” suggesting a long-term franchise strategy reminiscent of the original Paramount era rather than the later New Line films.
Beyond games and films, Jason Universe intends to explore other storytelling avenues, including comics and novels, ensuring that Jason Voorhees remains an active presence in horror culture even as major projects remain years away. Disanti also emphasized that the Barsamians are personally invested in revitalizing the franchise. He described them as “genuine people who love this franchise and have family pride in it,” noting that their goal is to modernize the Friday the 13th brand through thoughtful planning and steady growth.
While no release window has been provided for the upcoming game, the combination of renewed creative freedom, greater funding, and a dedicated long-term strategy indicates that Jason Voorhees is set for a major comeback. Fans may have to wait a few more years, but the groundwork being laid now could mark the beginning of a bold new era for Friday the 13th—one that blends nostalgia with innovation to revive a horror icon for a new generation.
