High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Leatherface is the main antagonist in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre horror-film series and its spin-offs. He wears masks made of human skin (hence his name) and engages in murder and cannibalism alongside his inbred family. He is considered by many to be one of the first major slasher film villains alongside Michael Myers and Norman Bates. Leatherface first appeared in the first film in the series (1974) and in its four subsequent continuations and remakes. Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein, who wore a mask made of human skin, was purportedly the inspiration for the character.