The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Character You Likely Forgot Matthew McConaughey Played

There's a reason people have an apprehension about strange families in the middle of nowhere, and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is probably one of them. The first "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was released in 1974, and its relentless and bloodthirsty antagonist Leatherface became a household name, and spawned an entire franchise. Three direct sequels were released, starting in 1986 with "Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2," and then "Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation." There were four more movies inspired by "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," but these are generally considered part of a 'rebooted' universe (via IMDb).

Matthew McConaughey is an exceptionally popular actor who got his first big break with his famous catchphrases in "Dazed and Confused," and later went on to star in several movies like "Angels in the Outfield," "A Time To Kill," "Contact," and "Amistad." These days he commonly seen appearing in commercials for snacks, customer relationship services, and automobiles, but what role did the famous actor have in the brutal "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" franchise?

Playing the role of Vilmer in "Texas Chainsaw Massacare: The Next Generation," Matthew McConaughey's character in the horror film is far different than what fans of his might be used to. Vilmer himself was instrumental in the events of the movie, having acted as a tow-truck driver that secretly has a family of murderous killers which contain the monstrous Leatherface (Robert Jacks). His motivation, as he elaborates during a harrowing dinner scene with a captive, is that a secret society pays him and his family to terrorize all those that cross their path, and they go so far as to actually seek out victims.

Starring Renée Zellweger, McConaughey, Lisa Marie Newmeyer, and James Gale, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" was the final movie in the continuity of the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." McConaughey's performance as the unhinged Vilmer is a far cry from his normal, laid back demeanor, and highlighted a manic and deranged aspect of the actor that was previously unknown.