Jason Voorhees: Deadite or Revenant? A Horror Buff’s Take on the Slasher Icon’s True Nature

When it comes to slasher icons, few characters have sparked more fear—or debate—than Jason Voorhees. He’s been chopped, burned, drowned, electrocuted, exploded... and yet, somehow, he keeps coming back. But the real question isn’t just how he returns. It’s what he is.

Some horror fans believe Jason is a Deadite—one of the twisted, undead spirits from the Evil Dead universe. Others think he’s some kind of hell-sent demon. And then there are those who just call him a zombie and keep it moving.

But me? I’ve got a different take.

Jason Voorhees is a revenant.

Let me explain why.

What’s a Deadite, anyway?

Deadites, for those unfamiliar, are evil, demonic spirits from Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise. They’re corrupted souls of the damned, raised by the Necronomicon to possess the living or reanimate corpses. And when they come back, they’re nasty—twisted faces, demonic strength, foul mouths, and zero chill.

They’re often resurrected for chaos or revenge, sure. But they’re also shown to be beatable. Ash Williams—chainsaw hand and all—has handled them plenty. Heck, even some regular humans have taken Deadites down with enough luck and determination.

So, while they’re dangerous, they’re not untouchable.

Revenants Walk a Different Path

A revenant is an undead being with a purpose—usually vengeance or unfinished business. They’re physical, not spectral. You can hit them, they can hit you back. And more importantly, they’re relentless. Once they’ve risen, they don’t stop until their goal is complete.

Think about some iconic revenants in horror and dark fantasy:

• Eric Draven (The Crow): Brought back from the dead to avenge his and his fiancée’s murder.
• Pumpkinhead: A demon of vengeance summoned by grief.
• Matt Cordell (Maniac Cop): Killed by his own, returned to punish.
• Art the Clown: Bizarre, brutal, and reborn through some unholy means.
• Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion from Mortal Kombat): Murdered, resurrected in hell, and driven purely by revenge.

Jason fits right in with this group. Here’s how.

Why Jason Is a Revenant

1. He’s Not Possessed—He Is the Body

Jason isn’t channeling a demon. He’s not under someone’s control. He is the undead. We’ve watched his corpse rot, be unearthed, and return—still recognizable, still powerful, and still silent.

He’s not wearing someone else’s face—he’s wearing his own.

2. Supernatural, But Not Magical

Jason doesn’t need ancient books, voodoo rituals, or cursed spells to come back. In Part VI: Jason Lives; all it took was a metal fence post and a bolt of lightning. That’s not a Deadite resurrection. That’s nature accidentally waking up something it shouldn’t have.

He’s like a force of nature. A mistake that can’t be undone.

3. Tied to a Place—and a Purpose

Jason doesn’t follow people across the globe. He’s not stalking random victims for no reason. He’s bound to Camp Crystal Lake—the place where he died, the place where his mother went on a rampage, the place that defines his trauma.

Like a true revenant, his rage is geographically rooted. Violate his territory, and you pay the price.

4. Revenge Is the Mission

Jason’s not just killing for sport. His rage is personal. Deep. He punishes trespassers, partygoers, and counselors the way a revenant punishes the guilty. There’s meaning behind the machete.

He may not speak—but his actions are loud and clear: You don’t belong here. Now you’ll bleed for it.

5. More Than a Zombie

He’s not shambling around eating brains. Jason is calculated. He sets traps. He hides. He stalks. Zombies don’t do that. He’s not mindless. He’s driven.

Final Verdict?

While the Deadite theory is fun—and there are cool crossovers like Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash—Jason Voorhees is far more in line with the classic revenant. A corpse reborn with fury. A silent force of vengeance that refuses to rest.

So, what do you think?

Deadite… or Revenant?

Me? I’m putting my money on revenant all day.