Crystal Lake Prequel Honors Snake Killed on Original ‘Friday the 13th’ Set

Peacock’s upcoming prequel series “Crystal Lake” has taken an unusual step: it’s publicly honoring a snake that died on the set of the original 1980 “Friday the 13th”.

Series creator Brad Caleb Kane said the gesture is a “direct nod” to the forgotten reptile, acknowledging a mishap that has lingered in production lore for more than four decades. The snake, oddly named Pamela Voorhees—a tongue‑in‑cheek reference to the franchise’s infamous mother—was killed during filming of the original slasher.

The tribute arrives just before the show’s premiere on Peacock, signaling that even the most unlikely on‑set casualties can receive a moment of reverence. Kane’s acknowledgement underscores the series’ willingness to look back at the franchise’s history, even the parts that involve a slithering footnote.

While the focus of “Crystal Lake” remains the human terror that defines the franchise, the nod to the snake reminds fans that horror lore sometimes includes the most unexpected victims.