“Human Hibachi 3: The Last Supper” is a New Jersey treat that caters to odd tastes

Production has officially concluded on Human Hibachi 3: The Last Supper, the latest installment in New Jersey-based filmmaker Mario Cerrito’s controversial horror franchise.

The fourth installment of the series, which continues the gruesome exploration of cannibalism, was shot in the Garden State and features contributions from local talent, including students from Cerrito’s alma mater, Rowan College at Burlington County.

The Human Hibachi series, which began in 2020 under the legendary Troma Entertainment banner, has deep roots in New Jersey. The third installment was filmed at a house location in the state with a crew of 10 and a cast of 20, utilizing hundreds of props and gallons of fake blood—much of it sourced from local suppliers. The production also provided hands-on experience for RCBC Entertainment Technology students Zach Opal and Eli Booth, who worked as production assistants.

“It was cool because they came in eager, willing to do anything,” Cerrito said of the students. “The fields are a lot different than what you learn in books, so it was really neat that it was their first experience.”

The franchise itself was born from a New Jersey moment—a dinner at a hibachi restaurant where Cerrito joked about the chefs turning on their customers. That darkly humorous concept evolved into a series that has since gained a global cult following while maintaining its Jersey horror identity. The films have repeatedly won top honors at the New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival in Atlantic City, further cementing their local legacy.

Despite its international reach—with DVDs sold as far as Japan and Australia—the Human Hibachi series remains a homegrown project. The first film is available on Amazon Prime, while the sequel and a short prequel can be streamed on Troma NOW.

With The Last Supper now in post-production, Cerrito continues to embrace the franchise’s polarizing nature, a hallmark of its success. “You’re gonna have people that hate it, and you’re gonna have people that love it,” he said. “But that actually works in your favor.”

For New Jersey horror fans, the wait for the next bloody chapter begins now.

The film, which continues the series’ gruesome exploration of cannibalism, recently completed shooting scenes featuring veteran scream queen Debbie Rochon, known for her roles in Tromeo and Juliet, Santa Claws, and Special Needs Revolt!.

Rochon’s involvement was initially delayed due to severe weather in Canada earlier this year, which prevented her from traveling for the original February shoot. Cerrito considered remote filming as an alternative, but plans were ultimately revived when Rochon notified him of her upcoming trip to Newark, New Jersey. A new scene was crafted on short notice, seamlessly integrating her into the project.

“Debbie was a pleasure, a presence on screen, and lives up to her legendary title,” Cerrito remarked. “It’s awesome to have her part of the Human Hibachi family.”

The Human Hibachi franchise, distributed by Troma Entertainment, has garnered a polarizing reputation since its 2020 debut.

Inspired by a darkly humorous dinner conversation at a hibachi grill, the films blend extreme gore with taboo subject matter, earning both fervent fans and vocal detractors. Cerrito embraces the divisiveness, noting that such reactions are essential for cultivating a cult following.

The third installment enlisted the help of emerging filmmakers Zach Opal and Eli Booth, students from Cerrito’s alma mater, Rowan College at Burlington County. Both contributed as production assistants, gaining hands-on experience in a professional film environment.

“Working as a production assistant on the set of Human Hibachi was an opportunity of a lifetime,” Booth said. Opal echoed the sentiment, calling the experience invaluable for understanding real-world filmmaking.

Cerrito, who began his career with smaller thrillers before pivoting to horror, has seen the franchise grow into an international phenomenon, with physical media available as far as Japan and Australia. The first two films and a short prequel are currently available on Troma NOW and Amazon Prime.

Human Hibachi 3: The Last Supper is now in post-production, with further release details to be announced. For those eager to revisit the series’ origins, the original Human Hibachi can be streamed via Troma’s platform.

Cerrito remains focused on his long-term vision. “I want to leave a legacy behind,” he said. “That is what drives me the most.”