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Friday the 13th Prequel Gets Darker: Young Jason Cast and Other Friday Night TV Updates

Updated: Jul 18

Masked figure holding a pointed weapon stands in a rainy, eerie blue-lit setting with silhouettes of trees and a cross in the background.


The world of TV casting is buzzing with fresh faces, exciting new roles, and some seriously juicy updates that you need to know about. From the latest twist in the legendary Friday the 13th prequel saga to game-changing promotions on Law & Order: SVU and sizzling new drama projects on Netflix and Apple TV, there is plenty to keep your entertainment radar on high alert.


Let’s dive into this week’s top Friday night casting news that will have you glued to your screen and checking your watch for the next big premiere. Buckle up, because it’s not your average TV gossip.



Young Jason Takes Center Stage in the Friday the 13th Prequel

If you grew up dodging hockey-masked killers in dark woods, get ready for the next chapter of the Friday the 13th saga. Peacock is gearing up to send chills down your spine with its new prequel series Crystal Lake, and guess what? They have cast Callum Vinson as the young Jason Voorhees. Yes, you read that right. The tiny terror himself is about to make his screen debut, and this time, it’s more intense and chilling than ever.


Callum Vinson, known for his roles in Chucky and Long Bright River, will be stepping into the bloody shoes of the iconic killer. Joining him is none other than Linda Cardellini, who will portray Jason’s mother Pamela Voorhees. This dynamic duo promises to bring fresh layers to the horror franchise fans have adored for decades. The show was officially ordered back in October 2022 and is being described as an expanded prequel that digs deeper into Jason’s origin story.

Brad Caleb Kane, the creative mind behind It: Welcome to Derry, is at the helm as creator, writer, and executive producer, so expect top-notch horror storytelling with plenty of spine-tingling moments.



Other Casting News:


In other casting updates that have fans buzzing, NBC’s Law & Order: SVU has officially promoted Aimé Donna Kelly, also known as Captain Curry, to a series regular ahead of Season 27. If you have been watching closely, you know Captain Curry has become a staple in the SVU squad, bringing a new kind of fire and leadership to the team.


This promotion signals big things for the show’s narrative and gives Aimé Donna Kelly a chance to shine even brighter in one of TV’s most beloved crime dramas. With the longevity and reputation of SVU, this casting move is definitely worth celebrating.


If drama with cultural depth is more your style, Netflix’s upcoming series Unaccustomed Earth is about to be your next obsession. Starring Freida Pinto, the show is described as an epic and soapy drama inspired by Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed short story collection.


The series is executive produced by John Wells, known for his work on The Pitt, and promises to bring culturally vibrant storytelling that explores complex family dynamics and emotional journeys. Freida Pinto’s casting adds star power and depth to a project that looks poised to become a critical darling.


If you live for crime dramas that keep you guessing until the very last second, Apple TV+ has got you covered. The streaming service is assembling a powerhouse cast for its untitled crime drama based on Lars Kepler’s Joona Linna novels. Poorna Jagannathan and Gary Carr have joined the already impressive lineup featuring Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, Stephen Graham, Bill Camp, Rory Culkin, and Chrissy Metz.


This star-studded ensemble is a recipe for an intense and gripping series that will likely dominate watercooler conversations for weeks. The source material’s reputation for high-stakes thrillers only adds to the hype.


Barrett Doss is has been cast in Little House on the Prairie and Michael Bradway is not returning for Season 14 as Jack Damon on Chicago Fire. Meanwhile, Jack Lowden has landed the lead role in Apple TV+’s adaptation of Philip Kerr’s bestselling Berlin Noir novels. Invincible has cast Matthew Rhys as an mysterious character in Season 4


To Sum It Up: What You Need to Remember

  • Callum Vinson is your new young Jason Voorhees in Peacock’s Friday the 13th prequel Crystal Lake alongside Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees.

  • Aimé Donna Kelly has leveled up to series regular on Law & Order: SVU Season 27.

  • Freida Pinto leads Netflix’s culturally rich drama Unaccustomed Earth.

  • Apple TV+ is cooking up a crime drama powerhouse with Poorna Jagannathan, Gary Carr, and an all-star cast.

  • XO, Kitty Season 3: Great to see Sule Thelwell joining as a series regular, plus recurring roles for Soy Kim and Christine Hwang, and Hojo Shin getting a promotion. Looks like the show’s expanding its character lineup nicely.

  • ABC’s RJ Decker pilot: With Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens, and Bevin Bru joining Scott Speedman and Weruche Opia, this cast is shaping up strong. Curious what the pilot’s premise is!

  • Disney+ Wonder Man: Cool that Arian Moayed is returning as Agent Cleary—always fun when Marvel brings back familiar faces across movies and series.

  • Prime Video’s Every Year After: This adaptation has a solid young cast from various recent hits. Seems like a promising romantic series coming up.

  • Fox Sports and Barstool Sports partnership: Dave Portnoy becoming a regular on Big Noon Kickoff is an interesting move blending sports and pop culture. The collaboration could bring some fresh energy to the broadcast.


Keep these names and shows on your radar because this Friday night casting news is just the beginning. So go ahead, mark your calendars, and get ready for an epic TV season filled with fresh thrills, chills, and drama.


Want to stay ahead of the curve? Bookmark this page and check back every week for the freshest Friday night casting updates. Which new show are you most excited about? Let me know—because nothing beats swapping TV spoilers with someone who gets it.


Happy binge-watching!

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