In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Nathan Baesel, the man who brought the unforgettable Leslie Vernon to life in "Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon!" We dive into the film's brilliant blend of horror and dark comedy, the creative risks that made it stand out, and the amazing people he worked with on the film. Nathan tells me how he crafted a character that's equal parts charismatic and completely unhinged. He shares what it was like stepping into the mindset of a slasher-in-training, along with behind-the-scenes stories that make you appreciate just how cleverly this film was put together. Nathan also reflects on the movie's cult following, why it continues to resonate with horror fans, and how Leslie Vernon carved out his own space among the genre's most iconic killers. We also get some insight into the Kickstarter, it's benefits and more for "Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon".

We also get sidetracked in the most entertaining way when we talk about how Johnny Depp somehow missed his calling as the king of luxury mattresses, our deep appreciation for practical effects that actually feel real, and Nathan's full-circle moment of growing up on "A Nightmare on Elm Street" before eventually working alongside Robert Englund. It's chaotic, hilarious, and exactly the kind of detour you hope for. Make sure to help "Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon" grow and get more epic by contributing on their Kickstarter here. Be sure to follow Nathan Baesel on his social media pages below:

Nathan's Instagram

Nathan's Midsummer Scream Info

The podcast's intro music was provided by Jax Kellington. You can check out all her music on Spotify here and follow her on Instagram here.

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