Actor and voice artist Brock Powell has stepped into one of horror’s most infamous masks — Leatherface — in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix anthology Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The new installment follows the chilling real-life inspiration behind several horror icons, and Powell’s performance pays tribute to the original Leatherface actor, Gunnar Hansen, from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974).
Brock joined me on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about the responsibility, preparation, and eerie fun that came with bringing the legendary chainsaw-wielding killer back to life.
Honoring a Horror Legacy
For Powell, portraying Leatherface wasn’t just another acting gig — it was a mission to honor the late Gunnar Hansen’s legacy.
“It’s kind of a dream I didn’t even know I could have,” Brock shared. “The idea that I got to play the original Leatherface and also play Gunnar himself was crazy. I really wanted to get it right.”
He dove deep into research, studying Chainsaw Confidential (Hansen’s book) and old interviews. He even discovered that Hansen had researched nonverbal individuals to inform the original performance.
“As someone who’s on the spectrum myself, I could see those two lines,” Powell explained. “Leatherface isn’t malicious — he’s misunderstood. Gunnar built a grounded, human performance, and I wanted to honor that completely.”
Behind the Mask
Powell’s time on set was both physically and emotionally demanding. Filming took place around Christmas at the historic Disney Ranch — a surreal mix of festive cheer and cinematic carnage.
“We were all having too much fun, covered in blood, running through the dark with the chainsaw,” Brock laughed. “Seven-year-old me would’ve lost my mind.”
The mask itself was heavy and claustrophobic, limiting his movement and visibility — but it helped him stay in character.
“Once the mask goes on, it just takes over,” he said. “It’s based on the original Bob Burns design, and it’s so tight it even changes how you breathe and talk. The mask does half the acting for you.”
The Voice of Leatherface
A renowned voice actor, Powell is known for his work with Disney and his soundalike performances for Ghostbusters’ Venkman and Dan Aykroyd. That background came in handy when developing Leatherface’s guttural sounds.
“Leatherface doesn’t talk, but I focused on what that voice would sound like if it could,” he said. “It’s kind of a battle cry — part fear, part frustration.”
His attention to vocal detail impressed even the crew:
“Our directors Ian Brennan and Max Winkler were amazing,” Powell said. “They just let us go. One scene, I screamed for over three minutes straight — totally lost myself in it.”
Why Leatherface Still Terrifies Us
When asked why Leatherface remains one of horror’s most haunting villains, Powell pointed to the realism.
“There’s no supernatural element — it’s your next-door neighbor,” he said. “That’s what makes it terrifying. It could happen anywhere. It’s about isolation, poverty, and what happens when society turns its back on people.”
He also connected the story’s relevance to modern times:
“We’re seeing violence and chaos every day on social media. That’s part of what makes Monster: The Ed Gein Story resonate — it forces us to ask why we’re drawn to darkness.”
Favorite Scenes and Fan Reactions
Brock’s favorite moment to film? The cemetery scene in Episode 8.
“It was incredible — that final chase, the chainsaw dance, the camera swooping up. It’s a direct homage to Gunnar’s ending, but it’s also something new. Kind of beautiful, in a twisted way.”
Fans have already noticed his attention to detail — some even message him about the wallpaper patterns matching the original film.
“The horror community is amazing,” he said. “They’re like sports fans — they know the stats, the heights, the weights, the mask dimensions. And that’s what I love. Horror is our football.”
What’s Next for Brock Powell
Powell’s schedule isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He recently lent his voice to Predator: Killer on Hulu and teased an upcoming indie horror project called Stegosaurus.
“If A24 ever does another Leatherface movie,” he joked, “I’ll bring my own chainsaw.”
As for what he hopes audiences take away from Monster: The Ed Gein Story:
“I hope they get scared,” Brock said with a grin. “It’s Halloween season — you should feel something. The show has a message, but it’s still horror at its core. And that’s the fun of it.”
Watch the Full Interview
Catch the full conversation with Brock Powell on the Pop Culture Unplugged YouTube channel — and don’t forget to subscribe for more exclusive interviews with your favorite stars and creators.