The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Leatherface Returns is already making a big splash with its terrifying and violent plot. The film works as a sequel to the 1973 film, and as the title implies, brings back the serial killer Leatherface, one of the most iconic villains in horror history. But fans want to know: what does the interpreter of the character look like in real life?
“In this sequel, a group of young people decide to breathe new life into a ghost town in Texas, only to run into Leatherface, the famous chainsaw maniac,” reads the synopsis of the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Netflix.
While the new film is doing very well with Netflix subscribers, its critical reception has not been so warm. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film only secured a 38% approval rating.
It is worth remembering that Gunnar Hansen, the original interpreter of Leatherface in the 1973 film, passed away in 2015. Therefore, the role gained a new actor in the Netflix film.
Who plays Leatherface in the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre?
In Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Leatherface Returns, the title character is played by American actor Mark Burnham.
“If Gunnar were alive, he would probably return as Leatherface. So our intention was to find someone as physically imposing as he is,” said screenwriter Fede Alvarez about the choice of Burnham.
Mark Burnham really has an imposing stature. The actor is 1.93m tall.
“When he arrived for the camera test, we picked him right away. He has all the physicality we need for this role,” Álvarez said.
Burnham is known for roles in films such as 2013’s Bad Cops and 2017’s Lowlife, in addition to the feature Ultrasound, released in 2021.
With just over 30 credits to his filmography, Burnham has been acting professionally since the 1990s.
In his career, the actor has made small appearances in classic TV series, such as 3rd Rock From The Sun and Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.
On Instagram, Burnham shares details of his routine and behind the scenes of his film projects. Obviously, he is quite different from the serial killer Leatherface (check out some photos below).
In addition to Mark Burnham as Leatherface, the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre stars Elsie Fisher as Lila, Olwen Fouéré as Sally Hardesty – as well as Sarah Yarkin, Jacob Latimore and Moe Dunford.
John Larroquette, the narrator of the original film, also returns as the voice of the new production.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Leatherface Returns is now available on Netflix. Below are some photos of Mark Burnham in real life.