Leatherface is a horror movie villain who has been terrifying audiences since 1974. He’s become an iconic figure in the world of horror and his story continues to fascinate fans around the world. Here are 10 secrets you may not know about this infamous character:
- Leatherface was inspired by real-life serial killer Ed Gein, who was active in Wisconsin in the 1950s. Gein was known to wear masks made of human skin, which is where Leatherface’s nickname and his signature mask came from.
- Leatherface’s first appearance in a movie was in 1974’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” It has been remade several times since then, but the original remains iconic.
- Leatherface is played by actor Gunnar Hansen in the original film. He reprised his role as Leatherface for a 2003 remake, but he wasn’t asked to return for the 2013 prequel “Texas Chainsaw 3D.”
- In addition to appearing in films, Leatherface has been featured in video games and comics. The character also made an appearance on the sitcom “The Simpsons” in an episode that paid homage to the horror genre.
- While Leatherface is known for his chainsaw, he also carries other weapons like a sledgehammer and a meat hook. He’s been known to use them to capture victims, leading to some of the most intense scenes in horror movies.
- The original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was meant to be an anti-war statement. The filmmakers wanted to illustrate the destruction that war can bring and how it can affect people’s mental states.
- Leatherface has been portrayed a few different ways throughout the years, including as a victim of circumstance or as an insane killer who takes pleasure in murdering his victims.
- Despite being one of the most iconic horror villains, Leatherface has never had a movie dedicated solely to him. Instead, he’s been featured in movies that focus on his extended family or other characters related to him.
- Leatherface is often seen wearing a mask made of human skin and carrying a chainsaw, but it wasn’t until later films that we learned why he wears the mask. It turns out that he suffers from a disfiguring skin condition and the mask helps him hide it.
- In 2003, Leatherface was featured in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” remake starring Jessica Biel and Eric Balfour. The movie reimagined Leatherface as a character who had been abused in his childhood, leading to his murderous ways.
Leatherface is a horror movie icon and his story continues to capture the imaginations of fans around the world. With each new iteration, we learn something new about this iconic character, making him one of the most enduring figures in horror cinema. Although he’s a villain, Leatherface still manages to evoke sympathy from viewers who can relate to his tragic backstory. He’s sure to remain a horror favorite for many years to come.