In the run-up to its release, MultiVersus, the 2D platform fighter featuring a variety of Warner Bros. IP, has been dropping hints about what the full release will include. Over the past few months, WB and developer First Run Games have offered myriad glimpses of what’s to come, including new character reveals, a single-player PvE mode, and teases for future content. These reveals came to a head on May 20, 2024, when MultiVersus’ official launch trailer was released, revealing the most shocking playable character yet. While they will no doubt prove to be one of the title’s most fearsome and celebrated combatants, the importance of MultiVersus' Jason Voorhees reaches far beyond the game.

MultiVersus' roster is comprised of fan-favorite characters from across Warner Bros.’ past and present. Characters from subsidiaries, including HBO, Cartoon Network, and Hannah-Barbara, appear alongside those of WB’s decades of cinematic classics, duking it out for the top spot. In the time since its Open Beta in June 2023, the game and its developers have teased that an even wider range of characters and locations would appear in the final version of MultiVersus. However, few could have expected one of the horror genre’s most famous, terrifying, and exclusive figures to make a surprise appearance in the launch trailer’s final moments.

MultiVersus Joker Back
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MultiVersus’ Launch Trailer Revealed Jason Voorhees as a Playable Fighter

Late in MultiVersus’ launch trailer, a host of characters confront the Joker, who is seated atop the Iron Throne. Wonder Woman, the group’s leader, declares the Joker’s imminent defeat, as his isolated approach has left him outnumbered. To the shock of the group and fans everywhere, the Joker then reveals that he has teamed up with some new villains. Suddenly, two characters appear from within portals, with the first, Friday the 13th's Jason Voorhees, taking an obvious center stage.

Jason Voorhees' reveal as the newest MultiVersus fighter has sent shockwaves through the gaming and film industries, as the character has long been one of media's most exclusively licensed figures. Within gaming itself, the Friday the 13th series has played host to a slew of unfortunate headlines over the past few years, with Friday the 13th: The Game's dedicated servers shut down due to licensing issues, and a fan-made title given a cease-and-desist as recently as April 2024.

Due to the series’ licenses being held by multiple isolated groups, many thought it would be years until the Friday the 13th franchise returned to the spotlight. However, a recent announcement proves the importance of Jason’s debut in MultiVersus reaches far beyond the title itself.

MultiVersus Marks Jason’s First Appearance Since the Announcement of Jason Universe

Friday the 13th has delivered decades of entertainment across the fields of film, television, and gaming, but recent years have seen the series licensing embroiled in a legal battle. However, Jason’s reveal in MultiVersus marks the character's first appearance since a bold new initiative was announced, revamping the series for modern audiences. On May 16, 2024, Horror Inc., the original owners of the Friday the 13th film franchise, revealed Jason Universe, a movement that will see the series adapted and activated across a range of entertainment platforms. According to Horror Inc., brand-new media, games, immersive experiences, merchandise, and more will be announced throughout the remainder of 2024, with even more to come in the future.

When Jason Universe was announced just last week, few could have expected to see the daunting figure pop up in a game trailer, let alone one for a title releasing later that same month. After years of tempered expectations, fans only had to wait four days before Jason’s return was in full swing. With MultiVersus’ surprise reveal, one of horror’s most famous characters makes his long-awaited and unexpected return to the spotlight, giving rise to a new era for the Friday the 13th franchise. Fans eager to see the masked killer in action don’t have long to wait, either, as MultiVersus is set to release on May 28, 2024.