A24 and Peacock’s highly anticipated Friday the 13th television series “Crystal Lake” hit a major snag earlier this year, resulting in showrunner Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal”) being ousted from the project and leaving its future uncertain. The Wrap recently released an exclusive report delving into the turbulent behind-the-scenes developments.

To recap, Peacock had greenlit the series in 2022, billing “Crystal Lake” as an “expanded prequel” to the iconic Friday the 13th franchise, featuring both Jason Voorhees and his mother, Pamela. According to The Wrap’s latest revelations, there was strong interest in casting Charlize Theron as Mrs. Voorhees.

Further details from The Wrap’s investigation disclose that a pivotal episode scripted by Kevin Williamson (“Scream”) was slated to unfold entirely on a frozen Crystal Lake, promising an intense hour-long pursuit. Fans of the franchise had long clamored for a winter-themed installment, and A24 seemed poised to deliver just that.

Adding to the series’ allure, directors Vincenzo Natali (“Cube,” “Splice”) and Kimberly Peirce (“Boys Don’t Cry,” “Carrie”) were onboard to helm episodes, with an estimated budget soaring to approximately $10 million per episode. The initial season was scoped for eight episodes, amounting to a substantial $85 million investment by A24, with future seasons already in the planning stages.

The Wrap’s report outlines, “In its ambitious vision, Crystal Lake aimed to deconstruct the narrative of the first four Paramount movies, while incorporating elements from subsequent sequels in a manner akin to Fuller’s treatment of ‘Hannibal.'”

Vincenzo Natali recently lamented on Twitter, “Having read the first two episodes, Bryan Fuller’s Crystal Lake was poised to achieve a reinvention on par with Hannibal—beautiful, melancholic, poetic, humorous, and terrifying. I mourn its cancellation.”

So, what went wrong? According to The Wrap, Bryan Fuller’s departure came abruptly, just three months ahead of the planned summer production start. Sources cited by The Wrap attribute the show’s troubles to inexperienced production leadership making questionable decisions, discord within the writing team, and clashes between showrunners and executives.

For an in-depth look into these challenges, including insights on what led A24 to halt Fuller’s envisioned series, The Wrap’s report offers a detailed exploration.

Despite the setback, there’s a glimmer of hope. A24 reportedly remains committed to resurrecting the series, actively seeking a new showrunner. Nick Antosca (“Channel Zero,” “Brand New Cherry Flavor”) has emerged as a potential candidate to take the reins.

“While A24’s commitment to the series remains firm, the fate of Fuller’s original scripts and concepts remains uncertain,” The Wrap explains. Should Antosca assume control, indications suggest a departure from previous creative directions.

In summary, the future of “Crystal Lake” hangs in the balance as A24 and Peacock navigate through these tumultuous waters, aiming to bring this ambitious and eagerly anticipated series back on track.