Best known as the only performer to be cast multiple times as preternaturally powerful serial killer Jason Voorhees, Kane Hodder added another recurring monster to his vast canon with Victor Crowley in Adam Green’s HATCHET flicks. This year, Hodder, whose film credits far outnumber his most famous characters’ significant body counts, collaborated with author Michael Aliosi on the memoir UNMASKED: THE TRUE LIFE STORY OF THE WORLD’S MOST PROLIFIC CINEMATIC KILLER. On the eve of a promotional trip to Chicago (with an afternoon book signing at Horrorbles and an evening appearance at Terror in the Aisles 10, both this Saturday, December 3; see more info below), Hodder sat down with FANGORIA to discuss the legacy of his most famous roles and ruminate on some of his more obscure movies.

FANGORIA: Many fans truly believe you made the character of Jason your own. What characteristics did you bring to him to make him uniquely yours?

KANE HODDER: Fans have always told me that I look very natural when I’m playing the character—like I’m not acting. I tried very hard to do just that, and I really appreciate when people respond well to my performance. I also tried to make Jason look threatening even when he was motionless, by doing the heavy-breathing thing. I always wanted Jason to look like he was on the verge of exploding into violence.

FANG: Nice motivation. Speaking of intensity, you’ve worked as a stuntman in everything from TV fantasy (CHARMED) to art-house flicks (THE RAPTURE) to big blockbusters (LETHAL WEAPON 3 et al.). What has been the most interesting experience you’ve had as a stuntperson thus far?

HODDER: In 35 years of doing stunts, there have been many, many amazing moments for me. Filming for two months in South Africa for AMERICAN NINJA 2; driving high-speed right at Mel Gibson on a motorcycle; being fire safety for Will Smith; getting set on fire for a then-record amount of time in FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII; jumping from a flying helicopter to a moving train in FAIR GAME; dreaming up a violent fight scene with Rob Zombie. I could go on and on. Probably the most fun is doing a fight scene with a known actor. I have fought with Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Tom Hanks, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Pierce Brosnan, Sylvester Stallone, etc. I have been very fortunate.

FANG: Lately, you’ve proven yourself to be a character actor of note with your detailed performances in ED GEIN: THE BUTCHER OF PLAINFIELD and B.T.K. In 1991, you played opposite another esteemed character actor, Richard Lynch, in ALLIGATOR 2: THE MUTATION. Can you talk a little bit about working with this icon of villainy?

HODDER: I loved working with Richard. He is a scary f**king guy when he wants to be. I don’t say that about many people. It was cool, too, that we share a burn injury in common. He is one guy who knows what I went through, and vice versa.

FANG: One of your lesser-known projects, yet one with a particular fan base, is 1995’s PROJECT: METALBEAST, wherein you played the titular creature. Can you tell us about performing this hairy yet chrome-infused monster?

HODDER: Definitely the hardest monster costume I ever had to perform in, because my legs always had to be bent at the knee and my heels were way above my toes—a very awkward and painful position. Needless to say, it was easy to be violent when the time came. My buddy Rick McCallum will attest to that. I jacked him up pretty good in that movie.

FANG: You got to reverse your master-of-mayhem image a bit by playing the frantic “First Victim” in the silly yet gory HACK! in 2007. What was it like reacting to the fright as opposed to creating it in this project?

HODDER: It was fun in that it was a different experience, but I would much rather be the killer. Period.

FANG: Has there been a project you’ve worked on that is special to your heart, but might be more obscure to the average horror fan, that you would like to highlight here?

HODDER: Two obscure movies that I enjoyed working on, but never got to see, were ROBBERS and BRITTLE GLORY, where I got to stunt-double one of my idols, Tony Curtis. I don’t know if they’re any good because they kind of disappeared, but I would still enjoy seeing them.

FANG: What was the process of co-writing your life story for UNMASKED?

HODDER: I wanted to make sure that when I told my story, I would talk about everything. Not just my career, everything. Good and bad. Since I had plenty of emotional and very difficult stories to tell, I would have to say it was cathartic finally talking about some things. The best thing that people tell me after reading the book is that they had tears in their eyes at times, and then at other times they were laughing out loud. For me, that’s perfect. Mike Aloisi has captured my story exactly as I had hoped he would, and I’m very grateful for that.

FANG: Reverting back to fiction, if Jason and Victor Crowley met in the twisted swamps at midnight and decided to have it out, who do you think would emerge the ultimate victor?

HODDER: It would be one hell of a long and violent fight, with Victor just barely coming out victorious. I’d like to make that movie!

FANG: I’m sure many fans would want to see it as well! You’ve worked with numerous up-and-coming directors such as Adam Green, Tim Sullivan, Patty Jenkins and Rob Zombie. Is there anyone you have worked with lately who has truly challenged you as a person and artist to better your work?

HODDER: Adam Green. Adam challenges me in ways that nobody ever thought to do before. Every movie I do with Adam, he comes up with something I have never previously done on film—things I never thought I would ever do. He opened doors to a whole new part of my career. I owe him a lot.

FANG: Lastly, are there any upcoming projects you’re involved in that you’re especially excited about?

HODDER: HATCHET 3. I’m ready to kill more motherf**kers!

To read more about Hodder and UNMASKED, including his ongoing signing tour, see his official website. For more on Hodder’s appearance at Horrorbles (6729 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL), see the store’s official site. 

Terror in the Aisles 10, with Hodder in person, takes place at Chicago’s Portage Theater (4050 N. Milwaukee Avenue), presented by Horrorbles (which will have a table in the lobby where Hodder will sign copies of UNMASKED). Doors open at 5 p.m., and the film lineup is as follows:

6 p.m.: Adam Green’s ’80s-slasher tribute HATCHET
7:30 p.m.: FRIDAY THE 13TH VII: THE NEW BLOOD, with Hodder Q&A after the film.
9:30 p.m.: unrated cut of HATCHET II
11:30 p.m.: rare screening of the crazy ’80s film MOTEL HELL

There will also be vendor tables, prizes, surprises and a live charity auction for Vital Bridges. Tickets are $13 for presale at Brownpapertickets.com or $15 day of show at the door. For more info, see the event’s Facebook page. Films, guests and start times are subject to change. No refunds, no returns.

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