TARANTINO GOES TO CRYSTAL LAKE?!?

[Scott W. Davis]

"Revenge is a dish best served cold." - Ancient Klingon Proverb

"Some folks got a sick idea of entertainment." - Ancient-looking Greenskeeper from FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI



When this story broke, I was all set to put this in the "horseshit" pile. If the story ran on April 1st, no one would have paid attention. The internet is filled with them and this one just seemed so out there, I wasn't even going to entertain it. But Bloody Disgusting insists it has merit, as does IGN Filmforce and Fangoria. Now even Variety is running with the story. Crazy as it may sound, Quentin Tarantino may be in talks to helm the next FRIDAY THE 13TH film.



The twelveth FRIDAY THE 13TH film (if you include 2003's FREDDY VS. JASON, that is) is being tentatively referred to as THE ULTIMATE JASON VORHEES MOVIE. It will be distributed by both New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. They are hoping to rush it into production as early as this year.



A rep at the William Morris Agency says Tarantino has not been offered the part. This does not discount Tarantino negotiating the film with others.



This also confirms that FREDDY VS. JASON 2 is pretty much dead, at least for the time being. It was once negotiated that Ash of the EVIL DEAD trilogy would be incorporated into the next FVJ film. But Raimi decided to take a pass, saying he may instead use Ash in EVIL DEAD IV. Meanwhile, Bloody Disgusting has published the original treatment for the proposed FREDDY VS. JASON VS. ASH. I suggest you give it all a read.



This would be completely unlike Tarantino to jump onto a film franchise. His only other horror credit is writing and co-starring in the underrated vampire flick FROM DUSK 'TIL DAWN. Still, Tarantino is a longtime fan of horror films from all walks of life. He was a driving force on releasing the restored cut of Lucio Fulci's THE BEYOND in America, first at midnight screenings then with Anchor Bay/Grindhouse's legendary DVD release.



It's important to note that Tarantino typically has a number of projects in the works. For years, he has been trying to get his World War II epic, INGLORIOUS BASTARDS off the ground. He has toyed around with the idea for THE VEGA BROTHERS and another kung fu extravaganza. Since his films are typically a few years apart, rushing into a new Jason flick would be a huge change of pace. But Quentin is re-energized recently and picking several projects that are not what one would expect from someone coming off his four hour KILL BILL. He serves as "guest director" on the upcoming SIN CITY (Robert Rodriguez had Tarantino direct one scene to turn him onto digital film) and will helm the season finale of CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION.



No one is confirming the story in the industry, but no one seems to be denying it either. So, who knows? Maybe we'll see Jason wield a Hattori Hanzo sword, to the groove of a blaxploitation soundtrack in front of a billboard for Red Apple cigarettes.



Incidentally, I was going to do some pic editing for a Jason/Tarantino parody pic. Turns out I was beaten to the punch. So, special thanks to Friday the 13th: the Website for the creative KILL BILL parody. I don't recall Jason being so shapely, but that just makes the pic better, right?



So, we might not hear anything until the papers are either signed or shredded. But we'll wait and see how things turn out. But first thing's first-



Wiggle your big toe... Sorry, couldn't resist.



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Comment on this article in our FORUMS!

[Fear]

well i love the friday the 13th series so who ever makes it i dont care i always want more jason

[guitarman]

Damn that would be interesting.

I'm curious to see Sin City since Quentin is a guest director--can't wait

[Scott W. Davis]

Yeah, the "guest director" thing is explained in that Rodriguez invited Quentin to direct a scene. Rodriguez loves digital film and used the technique on SPY KIDS 3-D, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO and SIN CITY. He's trying to turn Quentin onto the format.