As previously reported, a new incarnation of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise is in the works. While it’s still unclear if it’s a completely new continuity or some kind of new direct sequel, there have been some new details released that should have fans excited. Apparently the movie was set to begin filming around this time before the Coronavirus pandemic put a stop to things, but these details for the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film are certainly enough to hold fans over.
As revealed by The Illuminerdi, there has been a casting call issued to find a new actor for Leatherface. It seems that not only will the character receive a new actor, but he’s being described as “Leatherface aka Kenny”. This means Leatherface apparently has a new name, which isn’t new for this franchise. His names have already included Bubba, Junior, Thomas, Jebidah, Jedidah, and Jackson. So why not? They’ve also stated:
“In this telling, he is 60 years old and characterized as having a big build. He is not a bodybuilder, and may even be slightly obese. He also wears church clothes that are too tightly fitted.”
There are also a few details given about his personality, and although they’re vague they certainly suit the way he was depicted in the original 1974 film.
“Leatherface is additionally described as complex, though he is also listed as a non-speaking role. He primarily expresses himself with guttural noises that range from a howling belly laugh to a pig-like squeal. His time is spent inside watching TV, which is something that triggers his laughter.”
Apparently he’s also accompanied by a woman named Mrs. Mc. She’s described as “the one person who can calm Kenny’s tantrums.”
“She is 70-80 years old and seems to actually be a warm, honest lady who has fostered abandoned children for decades.”
We’ve also learned about two of the film’s protagonists, and with that comes what appears to be the plot for the film. The two protagonists are sisters named Melody and Dreama.
“The older sister, Melody, is a 25-year old San Francisco moneymaker who drags her younger teenage sister with her to Texas on a business trip, out of fear of leaving her alone in the city.”
It appears that Dreama, meanwhile, is a bit like Franklin Hardesty, the wheelchair-bound sibling from the original film.
“Dreama is an amateur photographer and it should be noted is wheelchair bound and presumably disabled.”
Hopefully the film will get to go in front of the cameras soon, as this certainly sounds like it could be a fun and proper new interpretation of Tobe Hooper’s classic horror film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
Fede Alvarez is producing alongside Pat Cassidy, Rodo Sayagues, Ian and Kim Henkel. Ryan and Andy Tohill are directing the film which was written by Chris Thomas Devlin.