Convention - SDCC 2025 : Jason Universe: Celebrating 45 Years of Friday the 13th 

By Mulder, 11 july 2025

This summer, San Diego Comic-Con 2025 will turn into a blood-splattered love letter to one of horror’s most infamous legends as Horror, Inc. prepares to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Friday the 13th. Taking place on Friday, July 25th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in Room 5AB, the “Jason Universe” panel is set to honor the enduring legacy of Jason Voorhees while carving out an exciting new chapter for the franchise. More than just a nostalgic trip back to Camp Crystal Lake, this panel promises exclusive reveals, deep-cut history, one-of-a-kind collectibles, and a sneak peek into the monstrous future awaiting fans of the unstoppable slasher icon.

At the heart of the celebration are the visionaries who helped shape—and now reimagine—Jason’s journey. Horror, Inc. President Robert Barsamian, Vice President Robbie Barsamian, and Chief Marketing Officer Sheri Conn will take the stage to offer rare insight into how Friday the 13th grew from a cult classic into a multi-generational, genre-defining franchise. Their presence alone is reason enough for horror die-hards to attend: few have had such intimate access to the creative and business lifeblood of this saga. Fans can expect behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the early days, reflections on the franchise’s cultural impact, and stories never before shared in public. This isn't just about the films—it's about the family that kept the franchise alive and is now breathing terrifying new life into it.

The panel will also serve as the launchpad for Sweet Revenge, an all-new short-form vignette directed by Mike P. Nelson, known for his brutally effective reboot of Wrong Turn and the upcoming holiday slasher Silent Night, Deadly Night. Mike P. Nelson brings a modern horror sensibility and visual punch that make him the perfect candidate to reinvent Jason for a new generation. Fans in attendance will be treated to an exclusive first look at Sweet Revenge, which promises a Jason who is just as relentless—but more complex and horrifying than ever. The vignette is described as a visceral tone-setter for the franchise’s new phase, balancing practical gore, psychological dread, and a fresh take on Jason’s legendary hockey mask—one that’s battle-scarred and symbolically evolved.

Adding even more depth to the event, the panel will feature a special video message from the set of Crystal Lake, the upcoming Friday the 13th prequel series developed by A24 and Peacock. While plot details remain under wraps, fans can expect the message to tease the show’s tone and themes, confirming the ambitious direction the franchise is heading. With Atomic Monster Executive Vice President of Film Judson Scott—whose producing credits include M3GAN and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It—joining the panel, there’s strong reason to believe this series will blend eerie atmosphere, character-driven storytelling, and enough carnage to satisfy even the most devoted slasher fans. Judson Scott’s involvement signals a promising blend of prestige production values and genre-savvy thrills, setting the stage for a series that could define Jason for the streaming age.

And then there are the giveaways—exclusive treasures guaranteed to make this panel one of the hottest tickets at SDCC 2025. Attendees will receive a first look at Spirit Halloween’s brand-new Jason mask, designed specifically to honor the franchise’s 45th anniversary and inspired by the Sweet Revenge aesthetic. Alongside it, fans will score commemorative 45th anniversary hats and a limited-edition 18"x12" Mondo lithograph. This collectible artwork, crafted by Mondo Senior Creative Director Peter Santa-Maria—better known as AttackPeter, who is also moderating the panel—draws directly from Sweet Revenge’s visual motifs and promises to be a striking addition to any horror collection. Known for his bold linocut-inspired art style, Peter Santa-Maria is expected to bring both fan passion and artistic flair to the event, guiding the conversation while celebrating the dark beauty of the Jason mythos.

Outside the panel room, the celebration spills onto the SDCC show floor, where fans can head to NECA’s booth (#3545) to witness the unveiling of their new 7” scale Ultimate Savini Jason action figure. Based on the infernal version of Jason featured in Friday the 13th: The Game—and designed in collaboration with legendary effects artist Tom Savini—this figure is the first official collectible honoring this fan-favorite take on the character. With NECA’s reputation for detail and authenticity, the Savini Jason is expected to be one of the convention’s most sought-after exclusives, further fueling the Jason Universe’s ever-expanding legacy in the world of merch and memorabilia.

This panel isn’t just a victory lap. It’s a reawakening. The Jason Universe initiative marks a bold, multi-platform expansion that taps into decades of lore while inviting new audiences into the fold. Under the leadership of Robert Barsamian, the creative vision of Mike P. Nelson, the strategic foresight of Sheri Conn, and the production expertise of Judson Scott, Jason Voorhees is more than a masked killer—he's a myth reborn. Friday the 13th’s 45th anniversary is shaping up to be a definitive moment in horror history, and fans who attend the SDCC 2025 panel won’t just witness it—they’ll become part of the legacy.

(Source : press release)