One of the most highly anticipated films in the horror genre of late is the Platinum Dunes remake of the legendary FRIDAY THE 13^TH. The film that brought us Jason Voorhees, Pamela Voorhees and Cap Crystal lake is back and ready to take on a new generation with a new cast, a reworked story and a brand new man behind the mask. That first film led the way for the massively popular series of sequels that followed, and now it is being remade and it is hoped that this new version will kick off a whole new franchise.

FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE REMAKE

The story of this new remake does differ from that of the original in a few ways. Like Rob Zombie's remake of HALLOWEEN, the Friday the 13th crew are adding a prequel section to the main story, along with the original tale itself and their own new material. This isn't the Friday the 13th movie of yore- this is a Friday the 13th for here and now, with a contemporary spin on the classic events of that film. Pamela Voorhees still plays a huge part in proceedings, but in this remake, Jason will be raising a blade to unwitting teenagers. Originally he didn't start killing until the second film (and didn't get his famous hockey mask until the third film in the series), but here in the new version he will be laying waste to the lives (and throats, and heads, and carcasses) of those teenage idiots stupid enough to visit the notorious Camp Crystal Lake.

The remake of Friday the 13th has amassed a high quality cast. In the new film, Jason Voorhees will be portrayed by two actors. In flashbacks to his twisted childhood, Jason is played by a youngster called Caleb Guss, who performs under heavy makeup during his sequences. The adult Jason is played by renowned stuntman Derek Mears, who has a formidable physical presence and is already adept at performing under prosthetics after appearing in the recent version of The Hills Have Eyes part 2. The infamous Pamela, Jason's demented mother, is played by Nana Visitor, known to Star Trek fans the world over as DEEP SPACE NINE's Kira Nerys, as well as appearing in the phenomenon that is BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.

Made by Michael Bay's Platinum Dines company, who have made a name for themselves with horror remakes this past few years, the new version of Friday the 13th is set to update a classic for a new generation, and fans have high hopes that it will do the name justice.

FRIDAY THE 13^TH (1980)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART 2 (1981)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART 3 (1982)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER (1984)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART 5: A NEW BEGINNING (1985)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART 6: JASON LIVES (1986)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART 7: THE NEW BLOOD (1988)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART 8: JASON TAKES MANHATTAN (1989)

JASON GOES TO HELL: THE FINAL FRIDAY (1993)

JASON X (2002)

FREDDY VS JASON (2003)

FRIDAY THE 13^TH: THE REMAKE (2009)

Friday the 13^th merchandise has been popular with horror fans ever since the series began. The most popular items have come from McFarlane toys, who were responsible for the popular MOVIE MANIACS range of action figures and collectibles. NECA produced the FREDDY VS JASON items, such as headknockers, action figures and more. Sideshow Collectibles produced their usual high standard of officially licensed statues and dioramas. MEZCO included Jason recently in their excellent CULT CLASSICS range of movie villain action figures. Jason was offered in a slightly stylized version with his classic outfit, mask and machete. A larger format stylized Jason Voorhees action figure was also made available with this range. Sideshow have teamed up with MEZCO to bring out a brand new Jason Voorhees Roto moulded action figure in a high quality costume as part of their Cult Classics range. This 12 inch figure is set to be available at the end of 2008. Brand new merchandise for the remake will be available in the coming months.

JANUARY 2009 UPDATE: REMAKE MERCHANDISE UNVEILED

The first piece of official merchandise from the Friday the 13th remake has been unveiled. NECA will produce the brand new 19" Jason Voorhees action figure, including two mask variations (the hood and the hockey mask) as well as weapons. This is due for release in February 2009, just in tiem for the release of the film!