Friday the 13th slashes director David Bruckner

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Yesterday came the news – encouraging or discouraging, depending on your POV – that the new FRIDAY THE 13th film had brought on PRISONERS scripter Aaron Guzikowski to pen a fresh draft for the film, signaling another delay in Jason’s return to the big screen. (Hannibal writer Nick Antosca was working on the last screenplay.) It seems fitting, then, to report that the film is starting from scratch in another way as well: director David Bruckner has departed the film.

According to The Wrap, Platinum Dunes felt it wasn’t fair to ask Bruckner to wait around while they develop another draft. While the site doesn’t rule out the possibility of Bruckner eventually helming the next Jason Voorhees adventure, he’s not officially attached anymore.

If there’s been any positive news coming from Camp Crystal Lake of late, it’s that the film doesn’t appear to be in the found footage vein anymore. Thank Krampus for something…

I’m sure it comes as a big disappointment to Bruckner to depart FRIDAY THE 13th – his name has been connected to it since Spring 2014  – but this film’s development is going very slowly, so it’s likely the best move for all parties. Bruckner directed solid segments of THE SIGNAL, V/H/S and the upcoming SOUTHBOUND, so it should be interesting to find out what his next move is.