It has always been said, that you never know what tomorrow brings. Well folks that is true, but every story has its ending and when the time comes for Friday the 13th to have its end, how do you think it should end ? He’s been killed off numerous times to ‘close the book’, but he still just keeps coming back. He even came back from hell (Freddy VS Jason), that just shows you this guy just won’t go down.

But since Friday the 13th has been rebooted, then just maybe this version of Jason doesn’t have the regenerating abilities that his original counterpart had. We all know that Rob Zombie’s version of Michael Myers turned out to be easily killed off, so that makes you wonder how important the character of Jason is to the studio execs.

I still say that Jason is in better hands with Platinum Dunes moreso than Michael Myers is with the Weinstein company. I mean they (and Rob Zombie) have literally pissed all over that franchise. But I will leave that for the Halloween fans to discuss.

Our boy, Jason, has proved to be an enigma within the slasher genre. He’s the man behind the mask. Could you have ever guessed he had a song written about him, with him in the music video by none other than the legendary Alice Cooper. Yes, I know there were slashers before him, but no slasher has surpassed him in the films, not even Jigasaw. We are drawing in on the 13th film in the franchise, the second in the second series.

Friday the 13th, in the original series, has 11 films. The franchise is on its second milestone.  He was the first fictional character to have won the MTV’s Lifetime Achievement Award, an award only two other fictional characters have won. He was ranked #26 in Wizard magazine’s 100 greatest villains of all time. He is a cultural icon in America.

I will go as far as saying that Jason Voorhees is the Elvis Presley of horror films. Criticize that all you want, but that my friends is just my opinion. I hold the character in high regard. He was my first love in horror. I was disappointed when I watched Freddy VS Jason because I believe they tried to make Jason look weak. That is something I will always hold against director Ronnie Yu.

Now Jason X,  we had the always-diabolical Jason. I hold no hard feelings against the creators of that film. They had a great ideal about sending Jason to space, the dialogue could of been better and a sequel to the film would of been nice, but all is forgiven on my part. Personally, when I heard the same guys who penned FVJ, were going to pen the reboot, I got scared because I didn’t want a reboot to end up being like FVJ. But once I seen what they done, I was satisfied with the film. Had New Line hired Ronnie Yu to direct, it would of probably bombed. I hope they leared their lesson with FVJ.

I know it sounds like I hold a grudge, but keep in mind we never grew up with a weak Jason and to be introduced with that concept is just embarrassing. I mean the only reason the director picked Ken Kirzinger over Kane Hodder is because he wanted a Jason that towered over Freddy Krueger, and he wanted someone with sympathetic eyes. I have all the respect in the world for Kirzinger, I think he done the best he could and I’m sure if in the right hands he would of been an effective Jason, but I don’t see that he had a say in the matter.

So in the end, after all of this, do you really want to see the series end ? I’ve heard many fans say they wished there was never a remake, but I believe that if it were put in the right hands then there would be no worries. I think one of the big reasons behind the success of the reboot film was solely because it was made by fans of the original series. All involved were fans of Jason and I think they done something great with that film.

So yeah I will accept a reboot, I will accept Jason Voorhees only if they don’t branch out on him, and when I say that I mean do anything that makes him not Jason. So I look forwards to seeing Jason again.

Warner Bros. has officially announced the follow up to 2024’s Friday the 13th relaunch and have even given a release date!  Friday the 13th part 2 will reportedly pop into theaters on Friday, August 13, 2024! Nothing has been official in regards to what the plot will be this time around, but after the confusion that MMA fighter Tim Sylvia was already working on a sequel, Brad Fuller shot that rumor down by stating that Derek Mears was his Jason. As for the plot, it has been hinted that Crystal Lake may finally be presented in a wintry setting, but that has yet to be confirmed. Friday the 13th part 2 will be the 13th film in the 30 year old franchise.

Platinum Dunes is currently locked tightly in post production and touching up their current project, a remake of 80’s classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (trailer) featuring Jackie Earle Haley in the role of Freddy Krueger, a role made famous by Robert Englund. Drop in often as more news will be coming!

SOURCE: Bloody-Disgusting/Platinum Dunes Blog

To some, he is simply known as Jeff. To a legion of online folk as well as convention attendees, he has grown into somewhat of a legend known simply as Wickedbeard! The man with the very fitting name, given that you never know what shape or form his beard will take on next, has carved his niche amongst the massive crowds that turn out at various horror conventions, and even appeared on the 2024 Friday the 13th part 2 Deluxe Edition DVD. Just as unpredictable as the fashion of his beard, is the mystery as to what costume he will don on any given day of these conventions. Wickedbeard has put together some of the most detailed and screen accurate recreations of horror movie (and beyond) costumes that have ever been on display at conventions. Known mostly for his absolutely incredible recreations of Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th flicks, these amazing costumes have led to him becoming a staple on the convention circuit as well as a very popular online figure. Wickedbeard’s work has even gotten him the chance to don these costumes in the upcoming TV commercials for Lexington, KY’s upcoming Scare Fest! . Always willing to pose for pictures with eager fans at horror conventions, Wickedbeard drops in to tell us about his costume work and much more!

TONY C: What would you say is your favorite Friday the 13th film?

WICKEDBEARD: I love ‘em all, but Part 8,” Jason Takes Manhatten,” has always been my favorite. Sorry, to all the part 8 haters, but for some reason this version of Jason has always been my top pick.

TC: Which costume have you made do you consider to be your favorite?

Wicked Beard poses with Benevolent Street's Michael "Avenger" Portman and I at Scare Fest 2024

WB: My favorite costume has got to be my part 7, “New Blood” suit.It has been a labor of love for quite some time, and has become quite famous.

TC: Your costumes are the most elaborate that I have ever seen. You obvious put a lot of time into piecing them together. Which costume have you put together that you have found to be the most challenging?

WB: The most challenging costume would have to be my über suit (from “Jason X”), which is still in progress.This suit is going to be my crowning achievement when it is finally completed.

TC: What type of places (stores, online merchants etc) do you hit up for materials and parts for your costumes?

WB: Oh my! Lots of places! Most of my clothing is from my local thrift shop, but I have purchased items off e-bay and online clothing stores. I do metal work so a lot of the metal parts I wear, I make myself. Sometimes my shopping cart can look a little unusual.lol

As far as my undermasks and some of my hockey masks, I have to give special thanks to Crash Cunningham, Paul from Darkside, Bob from MMFX, Erich Lubatti, Deadguy for my awesome machete, Steve Bellamy, Rahl(he is repsonsible for the VS coat), Kornbredd, Jeremy Bohr, Ken Tarallo, Bob at fiberglassmasks.com, ELS studios, and lastly, Shawn from Twisted Visions.
These creative individuals have played a huge role in my transformation.

TC: You are becoming somewhat of a staple on the convention circuit, appearing at numerous conventions in costume. What can you recall about your very first horror convention? (when and where) Did you go in costume? If so, what did you wear?

Wickedbeard and Derek Mears at Horrorhound 08

WB: My first convention, in costume, was Horrorhound 2024. I wore my very first remake suit, and my part 8 suit. The remake I wore was very crude as there were only a couple reference images to go by and I think I was the first to actually do one, as well. Derek was impressed with it, though, and that made my day.

TC: How many different horror conventions have you appeared at in costume?

WB: I have actually only worked 3 conventions in costume.Twice for Horrorhound, and also for last years Scarefest. I am working this years Scarefest as well as the Horrorhound show, in november.

TC: Which conventions do you do your best (or would like to) to drop in on every year?

WB: I am involved with Scarefest and Horrorhound every year now.These shows are my priority, but would love to eventually be a part of the Frightnight Filmfest, and Monster Mania, in the future.

TC: As a fan yourself, what do you think draws fans to these type of events?

WB: The excitement of the shows, and my love of horror is enough for me to be there, but i think the right choice of celebs,and vendors is key for most folks. Proper advertising is also a big factor. Jeff at Scarefest and Aaron at Horrorhound really know how to draw a crowd with their awesome promotions, and it is always a pleasure working with them.

TC: Attending a convention in a decent costume can draw a lot of fans to ask for photographs with you. I even had a few hit me up last year and thought it was awesome! Do you enjoy taking pictures with the fans? How does it feel to get asked to pose for pictures with people at conventions as much as the horror guests themselves?

Posing with a young fan at Horror Hound 2024

 

WB: I absolutley love posing for fan pics. After all, they are the reason the show goes on. They deserve a wonderful experience while they are visiting, and I try to give it to ‘em. I actually get more attention than even some of the celebs, and believe me…that is an awesome feeling!!!

Looking into a mirror? Wickedbeard vs. Kane Hodder!

 

I have also gotten to know some of the actors very well, especially Derek Mears, and Kane hodder, and…to be friends with your all time favorite horror icon is amazing.
I truly have been living my dream!!

TC: I remember being close by at Scare Fest 2024 when Betsy Palmer was going in and out of character when you approached her table in costume. It was a wild moment! How have many of the horror celebrities themselves reacted to your costume? Any other cool stories about meeting horror celebs in full attire?

My special boy!

WB: Betsy was a sweetheart.I enjoyed meeting her very much, and our photo together has become a very popular pic. Adrienne King was also a joy to talk to, and pose with.
Almost every celeb has praised my costumes, especially Derek. He knows it’s me almost immediately.

Wickedbeard, His girlfriend Angela, and Derek Mears - Horrorhound 2024

When he saw me at the last Horrorhound,he yelled “Hey, it’s Wickedbeard!” That was just the coolest, that he remembered me.

 

Another great meeting, was with Chip Coffey.   He was truly frightened to even talk to me at first, but after he warmed up to the costume, he was pulling me by the chain, around my neck, through the convention hall. lol
I gotta say though, out of everyone…meeting Kane Hodder was a dream come true for me. He has always been my favorite Jason.
There have been a ton of good times, and hopefully many many more to come.

TC: Though you are probably most known for your amazing Friday the 13th costumes, tell everyone about other costumes you have put together. What is your favorite costume outside of Friday the 13th that you have put together?

WB: Well , there are only 2 others that come close to the quality of my jason suits, and those are my Predator, and Vader suits.

TC: You seem to have a supportive group of people around you being as though many of them pose as victims when you take pictures to show off your work. How do your family and friends react to your talents as a costume maker? Do the people around you often ask for your help come Halloween time?

WB: I have a close knit crew, which consists of: my girlfriend Angie,my buddy Mike, and his wife Allison. Without them, I would not be where I am. If I have a show to attend, they go with me, simple as that. We are a package deal.
My family could not be more proud. They are not really horror nuts but they love what I do and are extremely supportive.
I get asked for tips and suggestions on costumes all the time, and I am always happy to help out, if I can.

TC: You have really began to grow into more than a convention attendee. You are flat out participating! Earlier this month, you were on the set of the Scare Fest commercial shoot! What was that experience like and what is it like to be INVOLVED as opposed to simply attending?

On the set of the 2024 Scare Fest commercials

WB: At this point, I no longer just want to be an attendee. I am at a level, now, where I think I have earned a spot at these shows, and I work very hard to give them an outstanding performance. I am always willing to do what I can to help promote the shows and bring more people through the doors.

Hopefully, one day, my pic will be in one of those little guest boxes.
And, as for the Scarefest commercial shoot; It was Amazing!!!! I loved every minute of it, and hope to do more in the future.It was an awesome experience!!
It was quite an honor to have been asked to participate, and I sincerely thank Jeff for including me in this endeavor.

TC: As both a fan, and even a participant of the convention circuit tell those thinking about attending, what makes Scare Fest a convention worth attending?
WB: Great celebs, great layout, lots of walking room, great vendors, and lots of really cool events. It is just a weekend filled with fun and awesome activities!!
What sets this show apart from the rest is the combination of the paranormal and horror. They do go hand in hand, and it is nice to have such diversity.

Jeff and Patti go above and beyond to put on one hell of a show for all fans of horror and the paranormal.

TC: You have a lot of fans of your work and are a very approachable person when attending these conventions. What would you like to say to those who are constantly looking to see what you will do next as well as those who will probably be keeping an eye out for a photo op at the conventions you drop in on?

Posing with a fan at Scare Fest 2024

WB: I am on all the popular horror forums, so if you wanna keep up with what is in store come visit, Frightforum, Nightowl, and Horrorbid forums. I am always posting new and improved costume pics on these boards. They are a great place to hang your hat and meet a ton of great people!!!!
You can also drop by my page at myspace at.. www.myspace.com/wickedbeard.

Thanks so much for the interview, Tony. I look forward to seeing you at the next show!
And a huge Thanks to all my wonderful friends and fans!!!!
Jeff
(Wickedbeard)

To see more of Wickedbeard’s awesome costumes, be sure to check out his myspace page! Be sure to get your Scare Fest tickets now! The Scare Fest takes place in Lexington, Kentucky at the Lexington Center!

For complete coverage of The Scare Fest, check out Benevolent Street!