The hockey mask is finally being dusted off. After weeks of speculation, we now know who will wield the machete in Peacock and A24’s Crystal Lake: Zachary Branch has been officially cast as the adult Jason Voorhees in the franchise’s highly anticipated prequel series.

The news was confirmed by Friday the 13th Franchise, following earlier reports from Dread Central that stuntman and fire specialist Schuyler White was in talks to appear as adult Jason. While White won’t be stepping into Jason’s iconic boots this time, sources suggest he may be involved elsewhere in the Jason Universe — particularly in the short film Sweet Revenge, where he’s rumored to portray Mr. Voorhees himself.

Two Jasons, One Legacy?

For a moment, it seemed Crystal Lake might feature two adult Jasons. Dread Central reported that White had been tapped for a single-episode appearance, leaving fans theorizing about dream sequences, hallucinations, or flash-forwards involving the masked killer. Ultimately, Branch secured the definitive role of adult Jason for Season 1 — joining Callum Vinson, who portrays young Jason in the years before the legend was born.

Branch brings stunt experience from Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Blue Bloods, and his physicality promises a menacing presence when Jason finally emerges from the shadows.

Revisiting Camp Blood, One Episode at a Time

Crystal Lake is helmed by showrunner Brad Caleb Kane, who took the reins from original creator Bryan Fuller after creative differences led to a shakeup behind the scenes. Kane’s revised vision is clearly beginning to take shape, and thanks to Friday the 13th Franchise, we now have the official titles of the first two episodes:

• 1.1 — The Great Pretender
• 1.2 — Are You Experienced?

Both episodes are directed by Michael Lennox, who will also direct episode 1.3. Directors Celine Held and Logan George are slated for episodes 4 through 6, with Quyen Tran taking over for the final two episodes.

Production is currently underway in West Milford and Ringwood, New Jersey — just a short drive from Blairstown, where the 1980 classic was filmed. The series is set in 1971, a full eight years before the events of the original film, giving us our first on-screen look at the Voorhees family before tragedy struck.

A Killer Cast

The cast continues to impress. As previously reported, Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees, with Callum Vinson as young Jason. They’re joined by William Catlett, Devin Kessler, Cameron Scoggins (as Officer Dorf), Gwendolyn Sundstrom, Nick Cordileone (as Crazy Ralph), Joy Suprano (as Rita), Danielle Kotch (as Claudette), and Phoenix Parnevik (as Barry) — some are names familiar to hardcore fans of the franchise’s origin story.

From resurrected counselors to ominous prophecies, Crystal Lake is shaping up to be more than a simple prequel. It’s a tribute, a reimagining, and a long-overdue return to form.

Keep your eyes on Friday the 13th Legacy for more updates, breakdowns, and deep dives — because this campfire tale is only just beginning.