Monster: The Ed Gein Story’s Leatherface Star Addresses the Show’s Controversy

I recently read an interview with Brock Powell, who played Leatherface in the Netflix series Monster: The Ed Gein Story, and it was really interesting! He talked to TopMob about what it was like taking on that role and whether he’d be up for more Texas Chainsaw Massacre projects in the future. He also got real about how people have reacted to the show since it came out. The series mostly focused on Ed Gein himself (played by Charlie Hunnam), but it was cool to see how his crimes inspired stories like the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre back in 1974.

Ed Gein’s horrifying crimes were the basis for the famous horror character Leatherface (played by Gunnar Hansen in the films). The movie Monster: The Ed Gein Story also explored how director Tobe Hooper became fascinated with Gein and used that inspiration to create his film.

TopMob interviewed Brock Powell, a seasoned voice actor who played Leatherface in the series Monster: The Ed Gein Story. They discussed his experience with the role and the criticism the show has faced for potentially exploiting the story of serial killer Ed Gein.

Powell openly discussed the criticism the show received, explaining that Monster: The Ed Gein Story aims to explore a bigger idea: how seeing disturbing images affects viewers and can lead to obsession.

The actor shared that the show deliberately leaves things open to interpretation. They explained that Ian Brennan crafted a story and script designed to make the audience question what they’re seeing, prompting them to ask, ‘What happens next?’ The actor also pointed out that shows like this wouldn’t be created if people weren’t interested in watching them.

In September 2025, Deadline reported that A24 is planning to acquire the rights to create new films and TV shows based on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. TopMob then asked Gunnar Hansen, the actor who most recently played Leatherface, if he’d be interested in reprising the role for future A24 projects. He enthusiastically agreed, saying he would definitely answer the call if they contacted him.

You can watch the complete interview with Brock Powell, the actor who plays Leatherface, conducted by TopMob’s Aeron Eclarinal, below.

Brock Powell Reveals Playing Leatherface for the Third Time, the Audition Process, & More

“I’m a big, big horror fan…”

TopMob: I binged The Monster: Ed Gein story for hours during my first watch, and I must say, Brock, that your Leatherface is one of the standout moments in the series. Can you paint a picture of what the audition process was like and how you first learned that you were playing the character?

I’m a huge horror fan, so I already knew about Leatherface when I auditioned. My agent sent me the audition, and it’s actually featured in the show! You can see it in Episode 4, during the trailer – it’s the scene where Tobe Hooper is putting makeup on the mask. I had to sit there with the mask on and try to show emotion while they talked about the different sides of Ed Gein’s personality and how that related to the character. That was my audition.

“It’s funny how the character keeps coming back in orbit, and especially in my orbit…”

TopMob: You mentioned in a previous interview that this is your third time playing Leatherface. How different is this experience in the Netflix series from your previous portrayals of the character?

Brock Powell: Yeah, wow. You did your research. I love it.

TopMob: Thank you! How different was this experience?

As a huge horror fan, I always find it fascinating to hear about the people behind the masks. I recently came across an interview with Brock Powell, who’s played Leatherface – yes, that Leatherface – a surprising number of times! He actually first got into the role over a decade ago at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. Apparently, that was his very first time wearing the apron and figuring out the character’s voice. He’s been involved with those haunted attractions ever since, becoming a bit of a legend in Southern California’s Halloween scene. Now, he often contributes just his voice or likeness to projects, but it’s cool to know he was physically terrifying guests as Leatherface way back when!

I first played Leatherface at Halloween Horror Nights in a Texas Chainsaw Maze. Then, I portrayed him in a music video directed by my friend Zoran Gvojic – “Social Mediasochist Part 2: On and On” – which became very popular within the horror community, and we worked with his friends at Dead Meat. After that, I auditioned for the role of Leatherface in the Texas Chainsaw game, but the part went to the incredibly talented Lex Lang. It’s interesting how often I keep circling back to this character, and this feels like the third time I’ve played him. I definitely hope it won’t be the last, as the role seems to keep finding its way back to me.

Brock Powell on Potentially Returning as Leatherface in Future Projects

“I would absolutely pick up that phone call…”

TopMob: You mentioned that the character keeps coming back on your orbit. I also read reports about A24 potentially acquiring the film and TV rights for Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If given the chance, are you interested in being part of that?

Brock Powell confirmed there was a lot of talk about who would reprise their role, mentioning names like Oz Perkins and even the possibility of a TV show for Glen Powell. He’s definitely open to returning to the character if the opportunity arises. Powell also shared that his partner, Cameron, has become a fan of horror films, particularly those from A24, which changed her perspective on the genre. Because of this, he’d immediately accept a call from A24 if they were involved in a new Texas Chainsaw project.

Brock Powell Explains Leatherface’s Terrifying Mask & ‘Graceful’ Chainsaw Dance

“Obviously, a lot of Leatherface is nonverbal, so it comes down to the physicality…”

TopMob: Leatherface has an iconic and terrifying mask. Can you tell us what it was like bringing this character to life while wearing it?

Brock Powell explained that the iconic mask was created by artist Noah Rivers. He believes that once an actor puts it on, the character really comes to life. Since Leatherface doesn’t say much, a lot of the performance relies on physical acting. Powell described how the mask intentionally distorts your vision, as it’s designed to look like a face smaller than the wearer’s head, creating an imperfect fit. This skewed perspective, combined with partial obstructions around the eyes and metal pieces over the mouth, limited visibility but was made as comfortable as possible to wear.

The mask wasn’t made for comfort; it was intentionally designed to limit your vision. It completely cut off peripheral sight. When wearing it, along with the prosthetic teeth created by AFX, it forced my mouth open, creating a constant, drooling effect – like someone perpetually hungry. A lot of the performance came from that look under the mask. It was meant to evoke animalistic qualities, like a dog baring its teeth, and really bring out a primal side.

“The chainsaw dance is almost like this: just like a tantrum. It’s graceful but kinetic, angry, and vicious…”

TopMob: I want to talk about the chainsaw dance. For me, that was beautiful yet terrifying. It was incredible to watch. Can you tell us more about that?

Brock Powell explained that a key scene was filmed during sunset on the first day of shooting at the Disney ranch in Santa Clarita, a location used for many outdoor shots. It was a crucial moment because they were meticulously recreating the original scene, paying close attention to Gunnar’s chainsaw movements. While he’d heard about on-set conflicts, accounts from that specific moment describe the original actor being particularly frustrated with the director, Tobe.

The chainsaw dance was a really interesting performance – almost like an explosive outburst of energy. It was both graceful and powerfully aggressive, and we only performed it a couple of times. What was great was how it influenced Charlie Hunnam’s movements, shaping his own chainsaw dance scenes. It felt like a true collaboration; we were directly mirroring each other’s actions, which was incredibly fun.

TopMob: Was that a real chainsaw?

Cameron Lowande, our production designer, made two chainsaws for the film. One was a realistic-looking rubber prop, and the other was a real chainsaw without any moving parts. They looked so alike that I often couldn’t tell which one I was using, especially during scenes where I was running away. We generally used the rubber version for those safety shots.

You know, filming the cemetery scene in Episode 8 was intense! I really wanted to use a real chainsaw while running – just to feel the adrenaline and get that authentic vibe. But Cameron, thankfully, talked some sense into me. It was super dark out there, and he pointed out I could seriously hurt myself. He was right to insist on the prop version – we had it for a reason! Looking back, safety was obviously the most important thing. We had an amazing stunt team helping me with all the lunges and attacks, which was crucial because the mask messed with my depth perception. Honestly, everyone on set was focused on two things: making sure the shots looked incredible, and ensuring everyone stayed safe. That feeling of security was really, really important to me throughout the whole process.

Brock Powell on Criticisms Surrounding ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’

“I think the biggest message of the show is what happens when audiences view traumatic images…”

TopMob: I saw that there are some fans criticizing The Monster: Ed Gein Story because some have pointed out that it sensationalized Gein’s crimes. What are your thoughts about the criticisms that the show received?

Brock Powell believes the core of Season 3 is about how the audience reacts to disturbing content. The season actively challenges viewers to consider their own role in confronting trauma, highlighted by moments where characters explicitly state, ‘The monsters are us.’ This idea is reinforced through references to figures like Tom Hollander and Ed Gein, and a scene where one character points out another’s inability to look away from the horrific. Ultimately, Powell argues the show isn’t just about the crimes themselves, but about the impact traumatic imagery has on viewers and how easily it can become an obsession.

With the popularity of True Crime, both horror fans like myself have become a little numb to shocking content. But this show deliberately creates a sense of unease. The writer, Ian Brennan, crafted a story that makes you question your own reaction to disturbing events. It’s important to remember that these kinds of stories exist because people watch them. So, if someone has an issue with the content, I believe the conversation should start with the audience, not necessarily with the creators. That’s the main point the show seems to be making.

The Difference Between Playing His Usual Animated Kid Space Roles & Bringing Leatherface to Life

“I take it very seriously, and I also think it’s all about paying back to the legacy of the original person…”

TopMob: With most of your roles in the animated kid space, how did you navigate the transition from voicing those kid-friendly characters to bringing Leatherface, a horror icon, to life in the Netflix series?

It’s been amazing to follow Brock Powell’s career! He does a lot of what he calls ‘legacy character work,’ which basically means he voices characters that have been around for years. Apparently, when a character has been popular for a long time, different voice actors often step in. He’s filled in for a lot of celebrities who can’t return to a role, and he’s even become known for some iconic characters himself – I was surprised to learn he’s currently the voice of the Kool-Aid Man! He also voices Willie the Giant for Disney and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and he even steps in as Santa Claus when the original voice actor isn’t available, doing the voice for those special stop-motion Mickey Mouse shows. It’s really cool to hear about all the different projects he’s involved in.

I believe every situation is different, but it’s crucial to honor both the character and the actor who originally played them. That was my main goal with Gunnar and Leatherface – to stay true to the version of Leatherface that Gunnar Hansen created. While Leatherface has appeared in many films and become a pop culture icon, I felt it was especially important to acknowledge the original actor, particularly with all the talk about digital replicas and AI these days. And with the film licensing rights expiring, I didn’t want the original performance to be forgotten, especially with everything changing in the movie industry.

It’s always a privilege to honor the original creators of these characters – everyone involved, from the writers and directors to the actors and even those working behind the scenes, like Bob Burns who crafted the masks. It’s a passion project, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to revisit characters someone else first brought to life. It requires a lot of respect and trust. I take that responsibility very seriously, and my goal is always to build upon the original artist’s work. For example, when portraying Leatherface, I want my performance to feel like a continuation of Gunnar Hansen’s iconic portrayal, not a departure from it – I want the focus to remain on his legacy.

I’m hoping this series will inspire people to seek out the original film, either because they missed it the first time or want to understand the story’s beginnings. If it encourages viewers to revisit the source material or learn more about the real Gunnar, then I’ll feel like I’ve achieved what I set out to do. That was my main aim with this project.

Brock Powell on His Favorite Roles, Horror Movies & Dream Characters to Play

“I think it’s really exciting that it opens opportunities, because the narrative potential of the medium is kind of limitless…”

TopMob: What about your favorite roles?

Brock Powell definitely has favorite roles! He feels lucky to work in animation and video games, especially since he grew up as a fan. He particularly enjoys collaborating with Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the creators of Phineas and Ferb. He’s worked with them for over a decade on multiple projects, and praises their encouraging and supportive environment. Currently, you can hear him in season five of Phineas and Ferb, which is available on Disney+ and the Disney Channel. If you need a break from scary content, he suggests checking it out. He also continues to work in the horror genre.

I’m incredibly proud to have worked on Predator: Killer of Killers with 20th Century and the team, including Dan Trachtenberg. It’s exactly what you’d hope for in a sci-fi horror film – thought-provoking, genuinely scary, and cleverly woven together. I believe animation can be powerful and therapeutic, and I’m especially thrilled when it goes beyond typical children’s programming. Seeing animation tackle more mature themes opens up so many possibilities, because the storytelling potential is truly endless.

I’m hoping to see more studios get involved in projects like ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’ I’d jump at the chance to work on an animated version – I’d be incredibly excited to be a part of it! That’s what’s so great about this industry: we’re all fans of each other’s work, so the possibility of collaborating on something you love is always there. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing companies like Disney and Sony Pictures Animation, and I really admire their teams and creative output. Collaborating with them, or anyone in the field, is just a fantastic experience.

TopMob: Can I just say that one of my favorite roles of yours in your credits is Mo from Jurassic World Chaos Theory…

I’m really glad you mentioned Mo! It’s been great lately to work on projects I genuinely enjoy. Jurassic Park is doing incredible things, and I’m really impressed with the animated series DreamWorks is creating. It’s fantastic on its own, but it’s also cool how it connects to the movies – I think everyone appreciates that. It really keeps the suspenseful feeling of the original films alive. Mo was a particularly special character, and the team clearly put a lot of effort and care into that episode, so thanks for highlighting it.

TopMob: Do you have any dream roles in the future?

Brock Powell expressed strong interest in playing Colossus, a character he’s always loved, in any form – whether it’s voice acting or an on-screen role. He’s currently drawn to horror projects and admires Jason Blumhouse’s work, hoping to contribute to that kind of film. He’d also be thrilled to work with Ryan Reynolds and the team at Ryan Murphy Productions, particularly Ian and Max, citing their collaborative spirit. Ultimately, Brock says his priority is working with directors he respects.

I don’t have a specific role I’m fixated on. I’m open to opportunities, and I’d love to collaborate with directors like James Gunn, Robert Eggers, Zach Cregger, or Osgood Perkins. I really admire filmmakers who make bold creative choices. I approach each project like a jazz musician – every job has a unique feel and allows me to improvise and work with new people. That’s what I’m most excited about. Of course, I also enjoy working on horror films – the genre is thriving and it’s just a lot of fun.

TopMob: What are your top three horror movies?

Okay, so here are my top three Halloween movies, keeping in mind it is October, and I might change my mind later! First, ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ definitely makes the cut. I also love Mike Doherty’s ‘Trick or Treat.’ And I want to recommend ‘Cobweb’ – it’s a really great film. It feels like it takes inspiration from those other two, but it also explores some deeper themes, like childhood trauma, while still being genuinely scary. Those are my picks!

TopMob: Speaking of Cobweb, we wrote an article about it last month (read more about it here).

Brock Powell was discussing a movie he feels deserves more attention. He mentioned it had a limited release and unfortunately got overshadowed by the buzz around another film, Skinamarink (2022). He describes it as genuinely creepy and enjoyable, especially for those who like a narrative that keeps you guessing.

I’ve really enjoyed two horror films released this year: ‘Sinners’ and ‘Weapons.’ Speaking of great filmmakers, working with Ryan Coogler would be amazing. I was recently working on a voiceover project from home, and I ended up watching ‘Weapons’ seven days straight – it’s incredibly cathartic. I admire how the writer, Zach, crafts these movies with unexpected twists and turns, constantly challenging the audience.

I felt the same way about ‘Barbarian.’ As someone who’s neurodivergent, I naturally tend to predict what will happen next, and I find comfort in rewatching familiar movies because knowing the story can be very relaxing. But when I want to be fully engaged, I need a film that keeps me on the edge of my seat. ‘Weapons’ does that incredibly well – it’s the most unpredictable and captivating film I’ve seen in the last decade.

TopMob: What I love about Weapons is the unique storytelling approach with all the different perspectives.

I’d like to change my previous answer. I’m really interested in being part of the Gladys prequel. I’m a big fan of Amy Madigan and think she deserves an Oscar, and I’d love to work with her after she hopefully wins one. I’ve read reports that the prequel will be a separate story, and I’d even be happy to have my character killed off by Gladys in the film!

All eight episodes of Monster: The Ed Gein Story are now streaming on Netflix.

2025-10-24 08:44