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.

WARNING - MILD STORY SPOILERS FOLLOW!!!

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Leatherface in Texas Chainsaw 3D

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.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D Interview

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