Horror fans are excitedly awaiting Peacock’s Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake—and now we know who’ll be playing the younger version of Jason Voorhees. Long before he decided a hockey mask and machete were an ideal killing-spree combo, and even before he drowned at summer camp, he was just a little kid with an eccentric mother. Presumably. We don’t know too many details about the show yet, but we know Linda Cardellini is playing Pamela Voorhees—and now we know Callum Vinson is Jason.
You might not recognize the name, but the face could ring a bell if you’re a fan of horror TV, especially horror TV inspired by popular movies. Vinson co-starred on the fourth and final season of Chucky, playing the President of the United States’ youngest son. He’s Chucky’s entry point into the White House, innocently helping the evil doll launch his latest scheme to rule the world and/or end the world, or possibly both.
As Deadline points out, “Vinson is billed as a recurring guest star, as this new project focuses on Pamela.” Still, you had to have a Jason, and this kid has some serious genre credibility, so this feels like an excellent choice.
The trade also shared more casting news, with Crystal Lake adding some characters that aren’t as famous as Jason, but that Friday the 13th superfans will recognize: Nick Cordileone as Ralph, Danielle Kotch as Claudette, and Phoenix Parnevik as Barry. Ralph, aka “Crazy Ralph,” is the Crystal Lake area drifter who warns young folks (or tries to warn them, anyway) not to go to “Camp Blood.” Barry and Claudette are Pamela’s first victims (killed in the 1980 film’s 1958-set prologue). Joy Suprano is also aboard as a character named Rita.
Crystal Lake doesn’t yet have a Peacock arrival date, but later this year or 2026 seems likely.