Kent on the Silver Screen: Remembering Jason’s Coming Out Party

Friday the 13th 2 Was Filmed in Connecticut

When people think of Friday the 13th, their minds jump to a hockey mask, Camp Crystal Lake, and the ominous woods of New Jersey. But one of the franchise’s most iconic chapters was actually filmed right here in Connecticut. Released in 1981, Friday the 13th Part 2 marked Jason Voorhees’ first appearance as the primary killer—and it turns out, his earliest cinematic footsteps were made across several real locations in the Nutmeg State.

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The production didn’t just pass through either. Connecticut served as the film’s primary home base, offering creepy woods, quiet towns, and even a real summer camp to stand in for the infamous Crystal Lake. From New Preston to Kent and everywhere in between, the state became a slasher movie backdrop long before it was trendy.

While Friday the 13th Part 2 may not have had the biggest budget or the most elaborate kills, it helped cement Jason Voorhees as a horror icon—and gave Connecticut a starring role in the process. The real-life locations are still here, still scary, and still worth a visit.

Read More: New Milford on the Big Screen: Remembering Mr. Deeds 

We need a big-budget slasher to shoot in Connecticut—like, yesterday. I’m definitely insisting on a prominent speaking role. Picture this: loudmouth delivers a fiery rant about the state of the world, then becomes the film’s first gruesome victim. Too much to ask?

Bonus Fun Facts about Friday the 13th Part 2

• The Hockey Mask was not a Thing, Yet - In Part 2, Jason Voorhees doesn’t wear his now-iconic hockey mask. Instead, he sports a burlap sack with a single eyehole.
• Jason Was Played by Several People - Stuntman Warrington Gillette is credited as Jason, but in reality, most of the action scenes were performed by another stuntman, Steve Daskawisz (now known as Steve Dash). Gillette reportedly only appears unmasked at the very end.
• It took 6 Weeks to Film - From pre-production through post, the entire film was rushed through in about six weeks. That tight schedule added to the gritty, low-budget feel—but also meant a lot of “happy accidents” stayed in the final cut.
• Many Changes Were Made to Avoid an X Rating - Several of the film’s kill scenes were heavily edited or shortened to avoid an X-rating from the Motion Picture Association. The original uncut death scenes still haven’t been officially restored.