Osgood Perkins Rules Out Love Interest for Leatherface in *Longlegs*

Leatherface, the iconic chainsaw-wielding killer from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” has been absent from the big screen for a few years. However, speculation about his return continues to swirl.

Osgood Perkins,director of “Longlegs,” was once rumored to be helming a new installment in the franchise. While those plans appear to be on hold,Perkins shared some intriguing insights into how Leatherface should be portrayed.

Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con during Neon’s “Next Wave of Horror” panel, perkins addressed fan questions about Leatherface. He confirmed there are no current updates on his involvement in a new adaptation.

Though, Perkins revealed he received extensive information about the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” intellectual property.This suggests he has had advanced discussions about a potential Leatherface revival.

A key detail shared was a strict rule: “Leatherface can’t have a love interest,” under any circumstances. Perkins humorously added, “well now you’ve said it!” hinting at his own creative desires.

He also commented on the possibility of a neurodivergent actor portraying Leatherface. Perkins called it a “lovely thing,” acknowledging fan speculation about the character’s neurodivergence.

For more coverage from San Diego Comic-con 2025, check out IGN’s thorough reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Leatherface return to the big screen? There are no official updates on a new “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” film at this time.

Was Osgood Perkins supposed to direct a new Leatherface movie? Perkins was rumored to be in talks, but those plans seem to be on hold.

What is a key rule for portraying Leatherface? According to Osgood Perkins, Leatherface cannot have a love interest.

What did Osgood Perkins say about casting a neurodivergent actor? He stated it would be a “beautiful thing” if Leatherface were played by a neurodivergent actor.

What are your thoughts on the future of Leatherface? Do you agree with the rule about him not having a love interest? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How does Osgood Perkins’ decision too exclude a love interest for Leatherface in *Longlegs* align with his broader artistic vision for the film?

The Director’s Vision: A Singular Focus for the Iconic Horror villain

director Osgood Perkins has definitively stated that his upcoming Texas Chainsaw Massacre prequel, Longlegs, will not feature a romantic subplot for Leatherface. This decision, revealed in recent interviews, signals a purposeful departure from some interpretations of the character and a firm commitment to exploring the origins of his terrifying persona. Fans anticipating a twisted romance will be disappointed, but horror aficionados are likely to applaud this focused approach to the Leatherface origin story.

This news impacts the overall narrative expectations for Longlegs, shifting the focus squarely onto the character’s formative years and the psychological factors contributing to his descent into madness. The film, set in the 1970s, promises a gritty and unsettling portrayal of a young Leatherface (played by Mark Burnham) during the aftermath of the Vietnam War.

Why No Romance? Perkins’ Rationale

Perkins has consistently emphasized his desire to portray Leatherface as a fundamentally broken and isolated individual. Introducing a love interest, he argues, would dilute the core tragedy and horror of the character.

Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons behind the director’s decision:

Maintaining the Monster’s Isolation: Leatherface’s terror stems,in part,from his complete detachment from societal norms and human connection. A romantic relationship would inherently challenge this isolation.

Focus on Trauma and Origin: Longlegs aims to delve into the trauma that shaped Leatherface,specifically the impact of his experiences in Vietnam and his dysfunctional family. A romantic subplot would detract from this central theme.

Avoiding Tropes: Perkins actively seeks to avoid common horror tropes, including the “tortured soul finds redemption through love” narrative. He wants to present a more disturbing and uncompromising vision.

Respecting the Canon: While expanding on Leatherface’s backstory, Perkins aims to remain true to the character’s established essence – a figure of primal fear and unrelenting violence.

The Impact on Longlegs‘ narrative

The absence of a love interest considerably shapes the narrative possibilities for Longlegs. Rather of a story complicated by romantic entanglements,the film will likely concentrate on:

Leatherface’s Relationship with his Family: The sawyer family,notorious for thier brutality,will be central to the plot. Expect a disturbing exploration of their dynamics and the habitat that fostered Leatherface’s progress.

The Psychological Effects of war: The film will address the lasting trauma experienced by Vietnam veterans, and how this trauma manifests in Leatherface’s violent tendencies. This is a key element of the Longlegs storyline.

the Genesis of the mask: The origins of Leatherface’s iconic mask and chainsaw will be explored, revealing the symbolic significance of these tools of terror.

A Slow Burn of Dread: Perkins is known for his atmospheric and suspenseful filmmaking style. Longlegs promises a slow-burn horror experiance, building tension through psychological unease rather than jump scares.

Exploring Leatherface’s Character Through Isolation

The decision to forgo a romantic element allows for a deeper exploration of Leatherface’s internal world – or, more accurately, his lack thereof. This approach aligns with the character’s portrayal in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), where Leatherface is presented as a largely animalistic and incomprehensible force of nature.

Consider these points:

1. The Power of the Unknown: By keeping Leatherface emotionally distant, the film maintains an air of mystery and dread. His motivations remain obscure, making him all the more terrifying.
2. A Commentary on Societal Outcasts: Leatherface can be interpreted as a symbol of societal alienation and the consequences of unchecked trauma. His isolation underscores this theme.
3. the Brutality of Unprocessed Grief: the film may explore how Leatherface’s inability to process his experiences leads to violent outbursts and a complete breakdown of empathy.

Perkins’ Previous Work and Horror Influences

Osgood Perkins’ previous films, The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) and February (2017), demonstrate his talent for crafting unsettling and atmospheric horror. Both films prioritize psychological tension and character-driven narratives over gratuitous gore.

Key influences on Perkins’ style include:

Robert Wise’s the Haunting (1963): Known for its masterful use of atmosphere and psychological horror.

Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby (1968): A slow-burn thriller that explores themes of paranoia and vulnerability.

The Gothic Horror Tradition: Perkins draws inspiration from classic Gothic literature, emphasizing themes of decay, isolation, and the supernatural.

These influences suggest that Longlegs will be a sophisticated and disturbing horror film, prioritizing psychological depth over conventional scares. The absence of a love interest is a key component of this artistic vision.

Texas chainsaw Massacre Franchise: A Brief History

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has a complex and often inconsistent history. The original film, directed by tobe Hooper, is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in horror cinema. Numerous sequels and reboots have followed, with varying degrees of success.

Here’s a quick overview:

*1974: The Texas Chain Saw