EP#207 Parry Shen

Kevin Lane's Spill Your Guts

In 2006, a new horror icon was born. Fatigued by the endless defanged remakes and sequels of the time, lifelong horror fanatic Adam Green set out to create a new unstoppable killer very much in the mold of beloved slasher superstars Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger and most of all, Jason Voorhees.

In fact, his film would not only feature such genre royalty as Robert Englund and Tony Todd but Jason himself, Kane Hodder as the films deformed giant, Victor Crowley.

Green’s film, set in the New Orleans swamps where an ill-fated tour boat is wrecked and its passengers are left stranded with much more to worry about than alligators, was a spot-on love letter to 80’s slasher classics.

As you have probably guessed by now, that film was “Hatchet”.

Filled with insane gore set pieces, hilarious dialogue and a totally game cast, the movie succeeded in creating a new franchise and has so far been followed by 3 sequels. Only one actor other than Kane Hodder has appeared in every film in the series. A scene-stealer with many of the best lines in the series, this actor has cemented himself as a fan favorite.

Our guest today is Parry Shen.

Parry is a busy man. He loves to work and one need only check out his IMDB profile to see he has had a rich and varied career as an actor. From a starring role in Justin Lin’s critically acclaimed crime drama “Better Luck Tomorrow” to a series regular on “General Hospital”, to his many credits as a voice actor - Parry cannot be stopped. And who would want to? He’s a welcome presence in anything he’s in. Terrific timing and presence to boot.

Parry has made a name for himself with genre fans with credits in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, Full Moon’s “Shrieker” and “The Hazing”, but it was his work in the “Hatchet” series that has cemented him as a genre name.

Parry talks with us on some of the challenges he has faced as an Asian American actor and how the business has changed, the pitfalls of confusing being strategic with your career to being perhaps more particular than you can afford to be and how his love for the movies means he’s always the consummate professional on set but always excited to be there.

It’s time to return to the swamps and the turf of Victor Crowley with our guide, Parry Shen.

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