interview by JANA LETONJA
Few characters in horror history are as instantly recognizable, or as terrifying, as Jason Voorhees. Now, a new chapter in the legendary Friday the 13th franchise is unfolding with Crystal Lake, the highly anticipated prequel series from A24 and Peacock. Among its biggest surprises is actor Johnathan Tison, who steps into the role of the larger Jason Voorhees in the season finale. While other actors portraying Jason had been announced ahead of the premiere, Johnathan’s involvement remained a closely guarded secret, making his appearance a particularly exciting reveal for longtime fans. Taking on a character who has haunted audiences for decades is no small challenge, especially one with such an iconic physical presence and cinematic legacy. As Crystal Lake introduces a new generation to the terrifying world of Jason Voorhees, he joins the exclusive group of performers who have brought one of horror’s most enduring villains to life.
photography by NATE REID
You're now part of one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time. How did the opportunity to play Jason Voorhees in Crystal Lake come about, and what was your first reaction?
This is my first big role on TV, and to be Jason Voorhees alongside Linda Cardellini and Hamish Linklater makes me feel incredibly honored. I got a casting email from my agent last year, and though they gave me 48 hours, something told me to set up my self-tape and do it ASAP. After getting my roommate on board and cutting a hole in a black grocery bag, I was ready to film. When I got the email, I booked the part. The project was titled Mama's Boy, and my role was called Joey/The Figure. So, when they asked if I was okay with cutting my hair, I hesitated a little. But after my agent reassured me, I took the job. I didn't know I was playing Jason until I went to get my mold done at Dave Presto's FX Studio. I walked in, and they asked if they could quickly get my hand on a skull for a thumb impression. I did it, but looked back at them, recounting that I didn't know Joey was going to crush the skull. They said, "Who's Joey?" and I said I am. They said, "No, you're playing Jason Voorhees.” I was shocked, and they were shocked that they were the ones to tell me. We had a good laugh about it. But when I got home, the importance of the role really dawned on me. I went from shocked to I need to know everything about Jason.
Your involvement in the series was kept completely secret until the finale. How difficult was it to keep such an exciting role under wraps, especially from friends and family?
I'm really good at keeping a secret. So much so that my older brother didn't know I was Jason until the show came out. I filmed on my birthday and told my friends I was spending it with family. So, no one asked questions, even though I came back from my "birthday" with a very different, new haircut. The hardest part of keeping the secret was going to premiere, and when someone asked, "What are you in?" I had to say, "Oh, I'm just in my bedroom doing self-tapes." But wow, now that I can talk about Crystal Lake, the wait was worth it.
Jason Voorhees has terrified audiences for more than four decades. What did the character mean to you before joining Crystal Lake? Were you already a fan of the Friday the 13th films?
I've always loved Halloween, haunted houses, and ghost stories. When I was younger, I was known for finding the best part of the house, or backstage, to jump out and scare people. But when it comes to Crystal Lake, I didn't come from a slasher family, so I hadn't watched Friday the 13th until I found out I was playing Jason Voorhees. If I had, I would've figured out I was auditioning for Jason from the character description. Since getting the role, I've watched up to Jason Takes Manhattan. And I've seen Part II more times than I can remember. I've become a forever Voorhees fan.
Jason is a character who communicates primarily through his physical presence rather than dialogue. How did you prepare to portray someone whose movements and body language are so important?
Yes, I felt that learning the physicality of Sackhead Jason in Part II was key to this character. In the first two films, we learn a lot of backstory, from Pamela's ending monologue to Ginny's monologue in the bar. They set me up for finding the heart of this story. So after I nailed down Jason's physicality, I gave myself a script for the scene. Phrases and words I could think in my head to keep my face and eyes active. "You're my dad, you tortured me, you're going to hurt my mom." I also chose to pick up on Jenna Ortega's trick of not blinking to show that Jason is a watcher and analyzer. Plus, Jason's eyes are so important because with the mask, that's all you can see.
Crystal Lake explores the origins of one of horror's most mysterious villains. What do you think this series brings to the franchise that audiences haven't seen before?
I think it expands on Pamela and her journey in grief. Grieving not only her son but a life with her son. Brad Caleb Kane knew there was a great story there, that people would anchor themselves to. This is a TV show made by fans. The prosthetic comes from David Presto, a master of making monsters. And gives new and old fans the practical, gnarly kills they expect from a Friday the 13th show. The first movie was a whodunit, with a glorious reveal at the end. Crystal Lake is like a great Shakespearean tragedy. We get a full view of how far a mother would go for her child. And in the end, I know whose side the audience will be on.
Horror often looks terrifying on screen, but filming it can be a completely different experience. Were there any particularly funny or unexpected moments behind the scenes?
The most fun we had on set was taking pictures between takes. We were in full costume, doing the scene, and then, as they set up the next shot, we made memes and fake album covers. Being Jason on set felt like being Crystal Lake's mascot. Crew and cast members walking up asking for selfies. That was the most fun.
With such a passionate fan base, every new interpretation of Jason comes with enormous expectations. Did you feel that pressure while filming, or were you able to focus entirely on your own performance?
I did a lot of homework in the two weeks before I got on set, so I didn't feel the pressure until I sat in the makeup chair and they started applying the prosthetic. That's when the pressure started. I saw all those FX and makeup artists around me, glowing with pride in the monster they were making. Film crews behind the stage asked questions and circled the chair. I thought, "This is history." This moment was bigger than me and everyone here. This is part of all our legacies. So yes, pressure, but once you crush a skull for the 20th time, the nerves go away. On a real note, having Dave Presto direct the kills and Quyen Tran talk me through exactly what she wanted kept me grounded. Preparation on your own time can take you far, but a good team to back you up can help the performance Ten-Fold.
Playing Jason is a unique experience for any actor. What did this role teach you about acting, particularly the power of physical performance and creating fear without words?
Being on set with actors who are at the top of their game will teach more than you expect. Being a silent character who's known for watching and listening gave me the perfect opportunity to watch Linda and Hamish. This was a priceless masterclass that will affect my acting performances forever. And being scary isn't hard when your prosthetics look so good. Being a wholesome but fearful character wasn't difficult in this scene because, firstly, the script was easy to follow, and secondly, the Crystal Lake team knew what they were doing.
Beyond Crystal Lake, what kinds of characters and stories would you love to explore next? Is there another iconic role or genre on your wish list?
I've always been called in for student roles like Tom Holland and Asa Butterfield, so I'd love to be in a show like Sex Education. My dream horror role is to play Norman Bates one day or someone in the Alfred Hitchcock Universe. And I'll always love the theatre, so find me a role like Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and I'll be there.
Finally, what keeps you busy outside of acting?
Outside of acting, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I love making a really nice big dinner to end my nights. My kitchen is my happy place, it's where I go to unwind because I have a routine, and everything in it makes sense to me. I like to write short stories, and if my friends are around, I put them on film. I really like editing videos, hours go by without me noticing. And of course, the gym. I go every day, even if it's just to stretch. A routine is important for achieving anything. And if you invite me to a board game night, you're my favorite person.
