Cast and Crew of Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan

"Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan" follows the infamous killer Jason Voorhees as he boards a ship filled with teenagers heading to New York City. What begins as a typical voyage quickly turns into a nightmare as Jason transforms the cruise into a deadly battleground, stalking and eliminating the unsuspecting passengers. Noteworthy characters include Fred Henderson as Chief Engineer Jim Carlson and Ken Kirzinger portraying an uncredited New York Cook, adding depth to the ship's dynamic setting.

The film explores themes of survival and the clash between rural horror and urban environments, illustrating how Jason's relentless evil transcends the familiar lake setting of previous installments. The juxtaposition of Jason's primal brutality against the bustling, modern backdrop of New York City also serves as a commentary on the inescapability of violence and the breakdown of societal norms in extreme situations. Additionally, the movie touches on youthful recklessness and the vulnerability of teens, who are often cast as both prey and protagonists.

Though met with mixed reviews upon release, "Jason Takes Manhattan" has cemented its place in pop culture as a unique, if controversial, chapter in the "Friday the 13th" franchise. Its attempt to revitalize the series by moving the setting to New York sparked amusing and critical discussions among fans and critics alike. Ken Kirzinger's involvement, albeit uncredited, is notable as he later became an iconic Jason portrayer. Overall, the movie contributed to the enduring legacy of Jason Voorhees, highlighting the character's adaptability and persistent appeal in the horror genre.

Full Cast of Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan

Martin Cummins as Wayne Webber

Martin Cummins

Wayne Webber
Jasper Cole as Trainer (uncredited)

Jasper Cole

Trainer (uncredited)
Alex Diakun as Deck Hand

Alex Diakun

Deck Hand
Ken Kirzinger as New York Cook (uncredited)

Ken Kirzinger

New York Cook (uncredited)
Kelly Hu as Eva Watanabe

Kelly Hu

Eva Watanabe
Michael Benyaer as JoJo

Michael Benyaer

JoJo
Fred Henderson as Chief Engineer Jim Carlson

Fred Henderson

Chief Engineer Jim Carlson

Crew of Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan

Full backstage crew list →