As predicted, the most recent stab at a Texas Chainsaw Massacre prequel, the upcoming slasher flick Leatherface, has garnered an “R” rating from the MPAA. While this comes as no surprise, this is just one further step in the right direction for the eventual release of this film (the 7th sequel/prequel in the TCM franchise). The MPAA bestowed the rating due to “strong bloody violence, disturbing images, language and some sexuality/nudity.”
Leatherface, which is set to star Hollywood veterans Lili Taylor and Stephen Dorff, will delve into the origins of the iconic killer from his childhood until his violent transformation. This is similar territory to what 2006’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning attempted (and ultimately failed) to navigate. In this version, the titular character will escape a mental hospital as a teenager (much like Rob Zombie’s attempt at explaining Michael Myers in 2007’s Halloween) and begin his well-known, bloody journey into horror movie infamy. However, a new twist is added as there are a “group of teens” that participate in the mayhem and carnage, with only one ending up as the killer. The “R” rating (for “Restricted”, of course) was expected, as no previous film in the Texas Chainsaw franchise has earned any rating less than that thus far. read more
