Nathan Baesel portrays the controversial Leslie Vernon in 2006’s Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon. I say controversial because he has all the hallmarks of a savage killer. Vernon is dedicated, well organized, and ready to add his name to the top of the slasher ranks. However, he is also a quirky and likable. He is the type of guy you wouldn’t mind sitting down and having some beers with.
We at iHorror had the chance to catch up with Nathan during his busy schedule of conventions and promotion for the long anticipated sequel, Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon.
Amongst news of the sequel, he talks with us about his interest in horror, his undying appreciation for his fans, and working with veteran Robert Englund.
iHorror: Thank you Nathan for talking to us at iHorror.com! Fans are so excited knowing Behind the Mask 2: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is FINALLY being made! Many of us have been waiting a very long time. Certainly no longer than you, director Scott Glosserman, and writer David J. Stieve!
Nathan Baesel: Thank YOU! It’s only happening because fans have been keeping it alive and part of the conversation all this time.
The Movie that Started it all
iHorror: The original is such a classic. The script, the execution, the balance of horror, comedy, and the respect and understanding of the genre; it all makes a movie like no other.
Are you a fan of the horror movies referenced in the original? Or did you have to dive into research mode when preparing for the role?
Nathan Baesel: Summer 1986 I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street which taught me a healthy respect for the genre, like nearly drowning teaches a healthy respect for the ocean. Child’s Play and a few others topped off my education, but after we made BTM I discovered Svengoolie and was able to introduce my sons (and myself) to the classics. I’ve been a student of the genre ever since.
iHorror: What were your original thoughts while reading the script?
Nathan Baesel: It was so clean. It was informative without being too wordy, it was funny and scary, everything planted at the beginning paid off at the end and I understood everyone’s motivations throughout. I knew instinctually how to play that script and, besides needing an acting job, I was especially hungry to do BTM because I didn’t know if I’d ever come across a script that good again.
iHorror: I never thought I’d describe a slasher killer as lovable, but Leslie Vernon truly is! Where did you find your inspiration for his unique personality and quirky behavior?
Nathan Baesel: My inspiration was all the guys auditioning before me that I could hear on the other side of the casting office’s paper-thin walls. Their choices were “angry” and “menacing” and “evil” and they sounded silly and unbelievable from the waiting room. On my turn, the contrarian in me tried to steer things in the opposite direction and see if there was anything to be mined. It turned out all gems.
iHorror: What is one particular scene you feel captures the character of Leslie Vernon?
Nathan Baesel: One of the scenes Angela and I auditioned with was the scene next to the van where we catch a glimpse of the man behind the mask. The sudden turn from playful to violent is undeniably menacing but it’s earned and not posturing simply for effect. I was so lucky that Angela was selected to be my playmate because that scene set the high quality of our play for the entire shoot.
Powered by the Fans
iHorror: The movie really found its place among the hearts of horror fans when it was released for home viewing.
You are attending Crypticon in Seattle this upcoming weekend, May 1-3. What has meeting fans at conventions been like for you?
Nathan Baesel: I’m impressed every time by my fortune at having been a valued collaborator on a project that has stayed with people and only gets more attention, more affection. I see all of my appearances as an opportunity to try to give back to folks who have kept us relevant all these years.
iHorror: Have you seen anyone dressed up as Leslie Vernon yet?
Nathan Baesel: Oh yes, I get pics all the time on social media. We had a 20th anniversary screening last week and my buddy Zoran from Kill Count asked if I would mind him attending in costume. I was delighted by the idea and for all the folks taking photos that night, he was far more popular than me.
The Sequel that Will Not Die
iHorror: The internet horror fanbase exploded when the news was announced that the making of Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon is in development. When did talks about a sequel begin?
Nathan Baesel: Talks have been in varying degrees of seriousness since 2008! So many things needed to be in place to make the massive machine of a production realistic, not the least of which was lots of money. David Stieve wrote countless scripts to accommodate changing times and creative interests. And they were all great scripts! But it wasn’t until the end of last year with the current draft completed that the sequel machine really started back up.
iHorror: Robert Englund has been announced to return to the sequel as Doc Halloran. Furthermore, director Scott Glosserman said Robert will have a much meatier role this time around. What do you hope to see in the development of Doc Halloran’s character?
Nathan Baesel: Robert is such a special presence and utilizing him to the max is what fans want from us and it’s exactly what they’ll get. Halloran gets a lot of light moments which are such a delight with Robert’s expert delivery but Halloran is a harbinger of doom and he’s back to make sure everyone knows something wicked this way comes.
iHorror: When you were filming the original, was there anything you wished you knew about your character that will possibly be revealed in the sequel?
Nathan Baesel: I suppose I wish that I knew how to be truly present and appreciative of the good thing we had. But I’ve needed every one of those 20 years since to learn how to do that and now I’m getting the gift of a second chance.
Full Steam Ahead
iHorror: Where can we keep up to date with news of the sequel as well as your future projects besides the Facebook group for Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon.
Nathan Baesel: I try to keep my Instagram and Facebook pages current but you can jump on our Kickstarter to help make this magic.
iHorror: Thank you so much for taking time to talk to us at iHorror, and we cannot wait to see Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon!
Nathan Baesel: We are all massively appreciative of you and everyone helping to keep the Leslie love alive. Thank you and we’ll see you on the big screen!