Jason Actor Derek Mears Appears at Falls Horror Fest
The Niagara Falls Comic Con grows in stature and guest list
every year. Supported by the number one
horror magazine Fangoria, the festival continues to impress with its sub-expo
Falls Horror Fest that not only utilizes Jason’s hockey mask as its logo, but
annually has featured a major Friday the 13th alumni as a featured
guest. Last year impressed with Kane
Hodder who not only appeared all weekend to meet fans and sign autographs, but
also hosted a 50 guest maximum VIP Q&A moderated by Fango editor Chris Alexander
and screened Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood while providing
live and running commentary during.
2014’s festival, which ran over the weekend of June 6th
– 9th, was no exception to the Friday fandom featuring the latest
Jason from Friday the 13th (2009) himself, Derek Mears. Mears
appeared for all three days signing autographs on the floor and spending a
maximum amount of time getting to know fans who were welcomed to approach him
with any question. Genre fans were
thrilled to also have Rob Zombie’s Halloween Michael Myers actor Tyler Mane placed next
to Mears, with Candyman himself Tony Todd also in attendance to round off the stellar
guest list. Mears and Mane used the
opportunity to promote their mutual 2013 project Compound Fracture, a feature
film produced by Mane’s own production company which stars both Mane and Mears
as well as Mane’s partner and wife Renae Geerlings. Fans who purchased the DVD from Mane’s table,
which has not been officially released in Canada yet, were not only treated to
him personally signing the sleeve, but Mears also provided his autograph for no
additional fee.
Saturday evening brought the Falls Horror Fest panels, with
a unique presentation of Mears, Mane and Todd appearing together moderated by
Fango’s Alexander. The actors were
playful and comedic, welcoming any questions from the crowd. Some highlights from Mears in relation to the
Friday franchise included the question of who he lists as his favourite Jason,
to which he answered Ted White as he felt the actor’s portrayal of the
character in The Final Chapter to be the most frightening and raw. Mears was also thrilled to discuss the
experience on set of filming Hatchet III, boasting fan favourite moment of
Jason vs Jason as he battled Kane Hodder’s Victor Crowley. Mears candidly recalled that Hodder did not
hold back in the action packed scene, and they basically beat the hell out of
each other for full on camera effect and remain good friends to this day.
Which of course led to the “elephant in the room”
question. With the recent announcement
of both a new Friday feature flick and television series featuring Jason
Voorhees, the question was asked if Mears would be donning the iconic hockey mask
again. The answer: “I’m not permitted to discuss any details at
this time.” And fans are left in
anticipation for a while longer, although answers like that always seem to
indicate that discuss have occurred!
In all, Mears provided a memorable appearance to fans,
showing him to truly appreciate the devoted following the Friday films
has. The actor has revealed some
additional appearances for the 2014 convention trail and fans are highly
encouraged to take the opportunity to meet our latest Jason who does not let
down with providing a personal and friendly interaction with all who come out
to meet him.
