Behind the Mask II: Leslie Vernon Sequel Announced After 20 Years

The long-awaited follow-up to the cult classic horror film is finally in the works.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A striking abstract composition featuring jagged black silhouettes and bold splashes of red and white, conceptually representing the return of the iconic horror character Leslie Vernon.The long-awaited sequel to the cult classic horror film promises to bring back the iconic slasher Leslie Vernon in a bold, stylized visual treatment.Glen Echo Today

After a 20-year wait, a sequel to the cult classic horror film Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is officially in development. Director Scott Glosserman and the original cast, including Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, and Robert Englund, are all set to return for Behind the Mask II: The Return of Leslie Vernon. The meta-slasher film will continue the story of the psycho horror slasher Leslie Vernon as he plans his next reign of terror over the town of Glen Echo.

Why it matters

The original Behind the Mask was a groundbreaking deconstruction of the slasher genre, and its unique approach to storytelling made it a cult classic. The announcement of a sequel has fans excited to see what new themes and ideas the filmmakers will explore, especially in the context of the current state of the horror genre.

The details

Behind the Mask II will pick up 20 years after the events of the first film, with Glosserman and the original cast returning to continue the story of Leslie Vernon. The director has expressed his passion for the project, stating that the time is right to revisit this world. The sequel will be a fan-driven film, with a crowdfunding campaign allowing supporters to contribute to the production.

  • The original Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon was released in 2006.
  • The sequel, Behind the Mask II: The Return of Leslie Vernon, is currently in development and is expected to be released in 2026.

The players

Scott Glosserman

The director of the original Behind the Mask film, who is returning to helm the sequel.

Nathan Baesel

The actor who portrayed the lead role of Leslie Vernon in the original film, and is set to reprise the role in the sequel.

Angela Goethals

The actress who played a key role in the original film, and is also returning for the sequel.

Robert Englund

The veteran horror actor, known for his role as Freddy Krueger, who had a supporting role in the original Behind the Mask and is set to return for the sequel.

Glen Echo

The sleepy town where the events of the Behind the Mask films take place.

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What they’re saying

“We have said 20 years is long enough. It's about time. There's no other time to anchor this. And horror itself is doing something really interesting...”

— Scott Glosserman, Director

What’s next

The filmmakers are currently in the process of launching a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the production of Behind the Mask II: The Return of Leslie Vernon. Once the campaign is successful, the team will move forward with filming and post-production, with the goal of releasing the sequel in 2026, 20 years after the original film.

The takeaway

The announcement of a sequel to the cult classic horror film Behind the Mask is an exciting development for fans of the genre. The return of the original director and cast, combined with the fan-driven nature of the production, promises a sequel that will stay true to the innovative spirit of the original while exploring new themes and ideas in the current horror landscape.