The lawsuit may finally be settled, but the future of the “Friday the 13th” franchise is still taking shape. While fans are understandably anxious for a new film (the previous one released in 2009, after all), the “Crystal Lake” TV series is at least on its way sooner rather than later. In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with Jason Voorhees-themed hard cider and an accompanying promotional short sponsored by Angry Orchard. As for other irons Horror Inc. has in the fire for all things Jason, SDCC attendees got some more insights, surprises, and special giveaways during a packed panel at San Diego Comic-Con International.

Moderated by Mondo’s Peter Santa Maria (@AttackPeter), the panel featured Atomic Monster’s Judson Scott, filmmaker Mike Nelson (Silent Night, Deadly Night; Wrong Turn), as well as Horror, Inc. executives Rob and Robbie Barsamian and CMO Sheri Conn. In addition to some of the untold history behind the first films and early years of the family legacy, attendees were treated to never-before-seen archival photos from the Barsamian family, favorite memories and anecdotes from the original 1980 film, and exclusive first looks at what's next—including an exclusive SDCC message from Crystal Lake showrunner Brad Caleb Kane from the set of the highly anticipated origin story/prequel series, and a surprise trailer drop for Nelson's vignette, Sweet Revenge, presented by Angry Orchard.

With exclusive giveaways, a NECA figure preview, and a packed room of devoted fans, the panel marked a bold new chapter for the Friday the 13th franchise. Take a peek at the first-look trailer for “Sweet Revenge,” the Jason/Angry Orchard collaboration mentioned above:

As for the giveaways, everyone who made it into the audience received a trio of killer freebies, including:

A first look and fan giveaway of Spirit Halloween's newest Jason mask, crafted in celebration of his 45th anniversary and his frightening new design
Exclusive 45th anniversary hats, only available by attending the panel
Also crafted exclusively for those attending the panel, a limited-edition 18"x12" Mondo lithograph inspired by the upcoming Sweet Revenge vignette will be distributed. Designed by panel moderator and Mondo Senior Creative Director Peter Santa-Maria

On the main floor of the exhibit hall, Jason fans can also visit NECA's SDCC booth (#3545) to view the unveiling of their new 7" Scale - Ultimate Savini Jason action figure, which will be the first collectible based on the fan-favorite 2017 video game Friday the 13th: The Game.

Jason Universe: Celebrating 45 Years of Friday the 13th

Room 5AB | Friday, July 25 from 5:30–6:30pm

It’s been 45 years since Jason first haunted our screens—and now, it’s time to return for a new era. Join Jason Universe and Horror, Inc. to celebrate the legacy, evolution, and future of one of horror’s most iconic franchises with Horror, Inc. president Robert Barsamian, VP Robbie Barsamian, and CMO Sheri Conn;Sweet Revenge writer/director Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn; Silent Night, Deadly Night); and Atomic Monster EVP of Film Judson Scott (M3GAN, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It). This can’t-miss panel moderated by Mondo senior creative director Peter Santa-Maria (a.k.a. AttackPeter) will dive deep into Jason’s blood-soaked history and what’s lurking ahead, with an inside look at the brand-new design of Jason and his infamous hockey mask, as well as an exclusive first look at the upcoming Jason Universe short form vignetteSweet Revenge.