Leslie Vernon will rise again.
It’s been 20 years since the 2006 slasher mockumentary “Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon” became an indie horror hit, and a long-discussed sequel is officially underway, Variety can confirm. Titled “Behind the Mask II: The Return of Leslie Vernon,” it will follow the further adventures of the then-rising serial killer Leslie Vernon.
Director Scott Glosserman and writer David J. Stieve are returning for the sequel, as well as original stars Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals and Robert Englund.
“For 20 years, people have asked if Leslie would ever come back. The truth is, he never really left,” Glosserman said in a statement. “Fans kept this movie alive by sharing it, quoting it, introducing it to their friends, and treating it like something worth holding onto. This sequel is happening because of them.”
A Kickstarter is also launching to help supplement the scope of the film. While the film is getting made even without fan support, Glosserman said additional funds can help expand it.
“We’re making the movie either way,” Glosserman said. “But the more the audience gets involved, the bigger we can make it. Bigger set pieces. More cameos. More surprises. This has always been a fan-driven film, and it still is.”
Paper Street Pictures, a filmmaker-first genre company led by Aaron B. Koontz and Cameron Burns, is producing the sequel.
“Aaron, Cam, and the entire Paper Street team never stopped believing there was more story to tell with Leslie,” Glosserman said. “Their support and persistence over the years made a huge difference in getting us here. They’ve built a home for bold horror filmmakers, and I couldn’t imagine making this sequel with anyone else.”
Adam F. Goldberg (“The Goldbergs,” “Shelby Oaks”) is also joining as an executive producer.
Watch the trailer for the first “Behind the Mask” film below.
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