Jason Voorhees, the murderous, hockey mask-wearing antihero of the “Friday the 13th” movie franchise, wants you to put on a mask, too ... or else.
The character, known for chasing victims with chainsaws and machetes in the movies, is a stark contrast to his menacing persona in a new ad campaign meant to encourage New Yorkers to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
In one of the commercials, the killer has moved on to a normal life in the Big Apple. He gives a somber narration as he wanders the streets alone, having trouble meeting new friends.
“It’s not easy. The mask kind of makes people uncomfortable,” he says. “I’m just trying to fit in. I wish everyone could see me for who I am.”
But everyone he encounters turns and runs or drives away to avoid him.
Sitting in Central Park, he appears to give up hope before a girl wearing a surgical mask approaches and gives him one that he can wear, too. He puts the mask on over his hockey mask, and the girl nods to him in approval.
“Behind the mask, I’m just a regular guy,” he says, and the ad ends on the touching moment.
Words appear on the screen: “Wearing a mask can be scary. Not wearing one could be deadly.”
“Friday the 13th” has been a part of American popular culture since the first of the slasher films hit the silver screen in 1980. The 12 films in the series along with a cult following and merchandising make it one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.
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