‘Leatherface’ Prequel Movie Plot & Character Details Revealed

[Fnord]

Unlike most of the characters who have appeared in its various installments, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise refuses to die. Since the 1974 Tobe Hooper original shocked audiences, the film has seen several sequels, a remake and a prequel to that remake.

For its next installment, however, the series is focusing in on the title horror icon in Leatherface. The film, set in the 1970s, aims to explore the origin story behind the killer that has become the face (in a manner of speaking) of the franchise, with EastEnders actor Sam Strike attached to star. Now we have new details on what to expect.



According to Badass Digest, Leatherface will center on four teens who escape a mental hospital and are holding a nurse hostage. Stephen Dorff (Blade) will play the sheriff on their tail, and Angela Bettis (May) will play the matriarch of the disturbed Sawyer family. Based on the site's description, it sounds like the identity of which escaped mental patient is actually Leatherface is a central mystery in the film. If that's the case, it makes the announcement of Strike's casting a pretty spoilery bit of news.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series has experienced a lot of ups and downs over the years, and longtime fans may be justifiably skeptical of how this new film will affect the already-tarnished legacy of the original film. After all, films like Hannibal Rising and the Star Wars prequels didn't exactly improve the collective appreciation for Hannibal Lecter and Darth Vader, respectively, despite the fact that the two villains are among the most memorable in cinematic history.



However, Leatherface is at least bringing some fresh blood to the franchise. Directors Julien Mury and Alexandre Bustillo are probably best known for their 2007 horror film Inside, and newcomer Seth M. Sherwood is writing the film. While they aren't the most accomplished filmmakers, there is at least the chance that they could bring some creative ideas to the project and help revitalize the series following the disappointing performance of Texas Chainsaw 3D.

Moreover, Leatherface continues the franchise's trend towards fleshing out the world of original film rather than treading familiar ground. There's always the oft chance that the new film could do for its title maniac what Bates Motel has done for its iconic horror icon. We'll find out soon enough.

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for the latest updates on Leatherface as this story develops.

Source: Badass Digest

[Chris Stern]

meh honestly after the original and the sequel the franchise should of ended then and there. I mean even after 40 years the original is still a legendary film and the sequel was a fun little over the top dark comedy but since hollywood is out of ideas they are just going to keep digging up the classics and make pointless reboots of them on and make cinematic universes out of them.

[Ian "Wolfie" Trumps]

Struggling to see Sam in this role, but then again, I liken this role a bit to maybe a young Norman Bates which is being brillantly played on Bates Motel.

[GM Franchise]

Wouldn't it be obvious which patient is is since Leatherface doesn't talk? Lol

[Fnord]

Maybe he doesn't talk because something that happens? Maybe young Leatherface DOES talk!

[GM Franchise]

He's mainly potrayed as being intellectually disabled so that will be a give away as well.

[Tritch]

... they're all mental patients, pretty sure they're all going to be intellectually disabled.

[Ian "Wolfie" Trumps]

Also in EastEnders he had such compelling storylines as he failed University, discovered he was gay and got a moped before leaving...all of which happened in about 4 months. He was made to play a mentally challenged murderer who cannot speak.

[Kieran King]

... they're all mental patients, pretty sure they're all going to be intellectually disabled.

There's a difference between an intellectual disability and something like Schizophrenia.

[Chris Stern]

Keep in mind this is a reboot so it's not beyond the realm of reason that who ever is going to end up being Leatherface can speak. Since they are not trying to fit this in with the original two Toby hooper films.