Friday the 13th Part 2: Sackheads, Shrines, and Slasher Evolution



Welcome back, boils and ghouls! The campfire’s crackling, the moon’s full, and the woods are whispering again. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) is where the legend of Jason Voorhees truly begins—and he’s not the silent juggernaut in a hockey mask just yet. Nope, this time he’s rocking a burlap sack with one eyehole and a whole lot of rage.
The Birth of Jason 🔪
This sequel picks up five years after the original bloodbath. A fresh batch of counselors arrives at a nearby camp to train for summer fun, but someone’s been living in the woods... and he’s not fond of company. With a pitchfork, machete, and a flair for creative kills, Jason makes his slasher debut in style.
Weird & Wonderful Trivia 🧠
- 🧦 Sackhead Jason: The iconic hockey mask doesn’t appear until Part 3. In this film, Jason wears a burlap sack inspired by The Town That Dreaded Sundown.
- 🦵 Jason’s legs were played by a woman: Costume designer Ellen Lutter filled in for Jason in the opening scene. It’s the only time in the franchise Jason was played by a woman.
- 🧠 No one knew who played Jason: Multiple people portrayed Jason throughout filming—including stuntmen, assistants, and even the makeup artist. It’s a slasher mystery!
- 🧤 On-set injuries galore: Steve Daskawisz (Jason) broke ribs, cut his finger, and got rug burns from the sack mask. He even showed up at the ER with a fake machete sticking out of his shoulder—for laughs.
- 🧛 Adrienne King’s real-life stalker: After the first film, King was harassed by a fan, leading to her reduced role in Part 2. Her death scene was filmed without a full script—she improvised her phone call.
- 🧠 Ginny pees under the bed: That infamous scene? Some say it was the rat. Others say it was Ginny. Either way, it’s a moment of pure terror.
- 🧥 Jason’s shack has a shrine: Complete with candles, corpses, and his mother’s mummified head. Cozy!
- 🧛 Tom Savini said “no thanks”: The legendary effects artist turned down Part 2 to work on The Burning, calling the idea of Jason surviving “too stupid.” Oops.
A Slasher Icon Awakens
Though the original was a whodunit, Part 2 gave us a full-on stalker in the woods. Jason’s evolution from grieving swamp-dweller to horror icon begins here. And while the burlap sack may not be as stylish as the hockey mask, it’s got its own creepy charm.
So zip up your sleeping bag, keep your flashlight close, and remember: Jason doesn’t like trespassers.
“You’re all doomed!”