As Halloween approaches, a unique celebration has brought together individuals sharing a name that is forever associated with horror. Voodoo Ranger, a craft beer company, endeavoured to find and reward real-life Michael Myers ahead of the spooky season. The initiative, called the “Slasher Manhunt,” not only honours the legacy of the infamous horror film character but also highlights those who share his moniker.
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Michael Myers, born in 1978 from John Carpenter’s film “Halloween,” has made a lasting impression on pop culture, inspiring a franchise that now includes 13 films, most recently the 2022 release, “Halloween Ends.” To engage fans and commemorate the character, Voodoo Ranger attracted considerable interest, receiving around 400 submissions in their quest to locate real-world counterparts. Out of these entries, approximately 80 were authentic submissions from men named Michael Myers or Meyers, with eleven winners emerging in the end.
One winner, a 50-year-old from Safety Harbor, Florida, joined the contest after a friend encouraged him to do so. Michael Meyers, who was born just three years before the original film hit theatres, recalls watching it in his youth, fondly remembering the drive-in theatre experience. He has seen all the films in the franchise and has a particular fondness for the Rob Zombie remakes, appreciating their deeper narrative exploration of the character’s psyche.
Embracing his connection to the lore, the Florida resident has an impressive back tattoo that celebrates the character. Over the course of nearly three years and four-hour sessions, this large piece of art represents not only Michael Myers but also pays homage to significant aspects of his life including living in New York and Las Vegas, before moving to Florida. Meyers commented on the tattoo’s significance, stating, “I wanted it to be a story,” showcasing his creative approach to the character’s representation.
Despite his enthusiasm for the name, Michael Meyers admits that having such a notorious identity can occasionally lead to awkward situations. Recalling a particularly amusing incident at a hardware store, he described how an employee doubted the authenticity of his identity when attempting to rent a tile grinder. The interaction was a humorous reminder of the challenges tied to sharing a name with a fictional killer, causing both confusion and amusement.
Another Michael Myers, aged 41 from Urbana, Illinois, expressed his unique relationship with the name for different reasons. Introduced to the idea of the contest through a friend, he decided to enter simply “for the fun of it,” ultimately emerging as one of the winners. While he recalls hearing jokes about his name throughout his childhood, he admits to being somewhat indifferent to the horror movie franchise, even stating he has not watched any of the “Halloween” films in their entirety. Instead, he favours the “Insidious” series and is introducing his young sons to age-appropriate horror films like “Hocus Pocus” and the “Goosebumps” series.
Interestingly, while Michael from Urbana has not immersed himself in the world of “Halloween,” his daily routine often intertwines with it through his profession as an arborist. Clients often make light-hearted comments about his name when he visits, jokingly suggesting he may be wielding a chainsaw or associated with the character’s sinister reputation. However, he balances these jokes with a professional demeanour while carrying out his work.
As Halloween draws near, both Michaels have varied plans for the holiday. Michael from Urbana does not intend to participate in themed costumes this year, though he recalls a past instance of dressing as the iconic character for a piano performance at a country club. His wife had suggested the costume and, when he was introduced, the audience had no idea who the pianist was, leaving him with a personal thrill.
The reaction to the Slasher Manhunt initiative from Voodoo Ranger has not only provided entertainment but has also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the winners. Each of the Michael Myers bears his own unique story whilst sharing an unexpected bond through their name, creating light-hearted connections during a season traditionally marked by fright.
As the holiday approaches, these men revel in their unusual association with a character that continues to send chills down the spine of audiences around the world. While they may share a name with a fictional killer, the real-life Michaels embody an amusing and engaging connection that illustrates how sometimes, horror can also bring people together.