The unfavorable revival of 'Friday the 13th' features disturbing elements
In an exciting development for horror fans, Angry Orchard Hard Cider has announced a partnership with the "Jason Universe" to sponsor the production of the short film "Sweet Revenge." This chilling vignette is set to be the centerpiece of the "Jason Universe's" 45th anniversary celebration of the iconic *Friday the 13th* franchise.
The "Jason Universe," created by Horror, Inc., the original owners of the Friday the 13th film franchise, encompasses various platforms, including entertainment, games, immersive experiences, merchandise, and more, but not movies. The partnership between Angry Orchard and the "Jason Universe" is focused on the horror genre, a perfect fit for the cider brand's love of bold, unexpected entertainment.
Mike P. Nelson, director and writer of "Sweet Revenge," is known for his work on the 2018 film The Domestics, the 2021 Wrong Turn reboot, and the upcoming Silent Night, Deadly Night reboot. He described the project as a "comforting, gory hug" for fans, blending nostalgia with new storytelling for the iconic horror IP.
"Sweet Revenge" promises a bloody short-form vignette, offering blood-soaked thrills typical of Jason Voorhees. The short film is currently in production and is expected to debut in late summer 2025 on the Jason Universe YouTube channel and a dedicated microsite hosted by Angry Orchard Hard Cider.
This collaboration is not just a creative partnership; it also serves as a branded content piece or glorified commercial for Angry Orchard. The cider brand sees this partnership as a way to celebrate 45 years of the Friday the 13th franchise and target its sponsorship towards a passionate audience of horror fans.
The partnership between Angry Orchard and the "Jason Universe" aims to create new experiences for horror fans, with "Sweet Revenge" expected to have some level of product placement. This is the first big announcement from the "Jason Universe," and it has left fans eagerly anticipating Jason Voorhees' return to the screen.
However, it's important to note that the rights to the Friday the 13th franchise have been in a legal tangle for years, but this partnership suggests a positive step forward for the franchise's future. Matt Withington, senior director of marketing at Angry Orchard, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with the "Jason Universe," promising exciting developments for fans in the coming months.
The "Jason Universe" collaboration with Angry Orchard Hard Cider, focusing on the horror genre, will produce the short film "Sweet Revenge," which is anticipated to debut on the Jason Universe YouTube channel and a dedicated Angry Orchard microsite in late summer 2025. This partnership not only aims to create new experiences for horror fans but also serves as a branded content piece for Angry Orchard, targeting a passionate audience of horror enthusiasts.
io9 and Gizmodo, known for their coverage of movies, technology, and entertainment, will likely report on the production and release of the short film "Sweet Revenge," given its connection to the iconic Friday the 13th franchise.
Future collaborations between Angry Orchard and the "Jason Universe" might involve product placement within the short film, offer exclusive entertainment content on the Angry Orchard microsite, or delve into other platforms like games and merchandise under the "Jason Universe" umbrella.
