It’s hard to believe, but 2025 will mark 10 years since legendary actor Gunnar Hansen passed away.
Best known for originating the role of Leatherface in 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre; Hansen was key in supporting the film’s legacy.
Hansen was there when the film was un-banned after 28 years by the BBFC in 2002, and remained a regular on the horror convention circuit.
Now, in a touching tribute to mark 10 years without him, the documentary Dinner with Leatherface is set to premiere later this month.
An in-depth retrospective on Hansen’s storied life, as well as the production and legacy of Chain Saw, the project features input from several of Hansen’s friends and colleagues.
Filmmaker Michael Kallio directed the project, painstakingly gathering interviews from those that knew Hansen best. Among those sharing their recollections are Hansen’s Chain Saw collaborators Kim Henkel, John Dugan, William Vail, Edwin Neal, and Allen Danziger.
Friends and colleagues present include Kane Hodder, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Campbell, and Tony Timpone.
Of the project, director Michael Kallio stated the following:
“I want to show the person Gunnar really was. He was an incredibly intelligent, witty man of so many talents. And he was a complete gentleman who embraced all the love he received from his adoring fans. He meant so much to so many people. This film is really a tribute to him… a great friend that I miss every single day.”
A must for any Chain Saw fan, Dinner with Leatherface will head to digital and physical media February 25th, courtesy of Anchor Bay. Physical copies are currently available to pre-order, and you can check out the touching trailer below:
