Who Is Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th?
Who is Tommy Jarvis? Follow his story through the Friday the 13th films and find out which actors portrayed Jason's recurring rival.
Who Is Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th?
Tommy Jarvis is one of the few Friday the 13th characters whose story spans several films. Introduced as a resourceful boy in The Final Chapter (1984), he returns as a traumatized young man in A New Beginning and becomes the protagonist whose actions revive Jason in Jason Lives (1986). This guide follows his character, not every kill or cast member in those movies.
The Final Chapter introduces Tommy
Corey Feldman plays young Tommy in Part IV. His interest in masks and special effects gives him an unusual way to confront Jason, while his sister Trish anchors the story's survival plot. Tommy's decisive action at the end shapes later installments and explains why the filmmakers treat him as more than another short-lived counselor.
A New Beginning changes the perspective
John Shepherd plays Tommy in Part V, now burdened by what happened at Crystal Lake. The plot deliberately makes viewers question how his trauma relates to a new series of murders. The film's killer reveal belongs to that movie's own mystery, not to a sweeping claim that Tommy always becomes the next Jason.
Jason Lives brings a new actor and tone
Thom Mathews assumes the role in Part VI. Trying to destroy Jason's remains, Tommy inadvertently triggers his resurrection. He then works to stop the threat he has unleashed. This creates a dramatic contrast with his childhood victory: knowledge of Jason is useful, but certainty can also lead him into a disastrous mistake.
A simple watch order
Watch The Final Chapter, A New Beginning, and Jason Lives in that order for Tommy's complete three-film arc. The three major film portrayals belong to Feldman, Shepherd, and Mathews respectively. Casting information should always identify the installment, since screenshots of Tommy from different ages can seem like different characters.
Related guides
Friday the 13th Characters, From Pamela to Jason
Frequently asked questions
Who first played Tommy Jarvis?
Corey Feldman introduced Tommy in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.
Which movie shows Tommy as an adult?
Both A New Beginning and Jason Lives feature older portrayals of Tommy.
Who plays Tommy in Jason Lives?
Thom Mathews.
Does Tommy appear in three consecutive movies?
Yes—Parts IV, V and VI form his central film story.
Does Tommy revive Jason?
In Jason Lives, his attempt to destroy Jason's corpse inadvertently resurrects him.