Jason Voorhees, from Friday the 13th infamy, has been one of the most solid, iconic killers throughout horror, but everything needs a change now and then, so maybe it's time for Jason to get a full retcon.
While not a complete retcon of the character, legal battle over the character rights, and there's likely to be some sort of resolution by summer 2020, which means there will likely be another Friday the 13th movie underway sooner rather than later.
It might be hard to part ways with Jason's original story, and scripts have been written for the next installment in the franchise that propose some interesting ideas. Still, there are ways to take a new iteration of Jason's character that could resonate with audiences, if one considers the core of his character.
Jason Voorhees Needs A Complete Retcon - Here's Why
became a zombie, ended up having a random familial connection, and even went to space. However, the core of his story could be where a proper retcon could build on to make him a sympathetic killer, which has worked for franchises like Saw with Jigsaw/John Kramer and add a new level of brutality.
The core of Jason's story revolves around him being a misunderstood outsider. Jason's mother, who was arguably an overprotective, helicopter parent, worried for her son because of his differences. However, despite him making a sudden appearance at the very end of the first Friday the 13th movie, Jason wasn't ever looking out for himself - at least, as far as the current canon explained. He lost his reason for committing violent, murderous acts after the second movie. Now, if Jason somehow managed to bring himself back from the dead to fight his own battles, that's not only an interesting premise that could by his mother completely, but would give the character autonomy, purpose, and resonate with the concept at its core.
Halloween had its Retcons have been proven to work for major horror franchises if they have the right angle, and while there's still time to consider other reworks to Jason's character, the franchise's longevity will likely depend on its ability to adapt and stay relevant.
